318 State Boa.ud of Agricdlturk, &c. 



deal of importance. Secondly, to restore the balance be- 

 tween the top and roots. 



In the growing tree there is a proportion between the 

 roots and branches ; if we destroy a large number of roots, 

 as we always do in transplanting trees of much size, this 

 balance is destroyed, and must, to produce the best results, 

 be restored. The larger the tree, the greater the loss of 

 roots, and consequently the more severe must l)e the cut- 

 ting l)ack of the top, thereby destroying all the advantage 

 which we expect to obtain from extra sized trees. 



After the tree is properly pruned, it is well to wet the 

 roots before setting. This, too, may seem a small matter, 

 but the affairs of life are made up of small matters. By 

 simply wetting the root the fine particles of soil will adhere 

 thereto. Tlie earth can be more closely packed around it, 

 consequently there is less lial)ility to diy np. On this sim- 

 ple process, it seems to me, sometimes depends the life of 

 the tree. 



Now, everything being ready, place the tree in the hole 

 upon a small mound, so that the roots will spread out in 

 their natural direction. Then, holding tlie 'tree perfectly 

 upright, fill in around it with the richest soil which it is pos- 

 sible to obtain, taking care to place no manure in immedi- 

 ate contact with the roots. I wish to emphasize this point. 

 Use the very best and richest soil wliich can be obtained ; 

 work the soil among the roots so that no space will be left 

 unfilled. Don't be afraid of dirt, but get down on vour 

 knees and work with a will. The farmer who is too proud 

 or too lazy to get down upon his knees in setting trees is not 

 fitted for the business of fruit raising. Shake the tree 



