22 The Bulletin 



Every tree has a heavy and a light side. The annual layer is thicker 

 on one side of the tree than on the opposite side, so that the pith of 

 the tree is not at the exact center of the trunk, but more to one side. 

 The heavy side is determined in the following manner : When the tree 

 is taken up to be planted, if it is grasped near the middle, it may be 

 balanced across the hand. As it takes the position of balance, the 

 heavy side will be facing doAvnwards or be next to the hand. 



In digging the hole, the topsoil should be put to one side and later 

 placed in the hole around the roots, moving the tree back and forth 

 slightly so as to settle the soil. Every once in a while the soil should 

 be pressed firmly about the roots so as to leave no air-pockets. If the 

 soil is in the proper condition and contains sufficient moisture, no 

 water need be used in planting; but if the soil has dried out, when the 

 hole is three-fourths full of dirt, water may then be added and the hole 

 filled in with loose soil, forming a mulch about the base of the tree. 



PLANTING WITH THE PLANTING BOARD 



To locate the tree properly, a planting board should be used. These 

 board? are of different kinds and sizes, but one made from 1 x 4-inch 

 planking 4 feet long answers the purpose very well. Notches are cut 

 in each end and in the middle, as shown in Fig. 12. The middle notch 

 is placed against the stake, two small stakes are driven down in each 

 of the end notches, the planting board taken away, and the hole dug 

 where the center stake stood. When ready to plant, the board is re- 

 placed in its former position, the tree slipped into the notch, and 

 planted where the original stake stood. 



A planting board that is even more convenient, known as the 

 "hinged" planting board, may be employed. It is used in practically 

 the same manner as the ordinary planting board, Avith one exception. 

 It is not removed when the hole for the tree is dug. but the hinged 

 portion is thrown back and the hole dug. Then the hinged portion is 

 returned to its original position and the tree located correctly. By 

 refei-ring to Fig. 13 its plan of use and construction may be learned. 



The method of staking off an orchard and then planting by means 

 of the planting board is considered to be too expensive by some, but 

 for those who care for straight rows and a symmetrical looking orchard, 

 the small additional expense should not be considered. 



PKUNING AFTER PLANTING 



Pruning after planting determines the height of the head, lays the 

 foundation for the shape of the tree, and introduces the system of 

 pinning. The top of the young tree shonld not bo i^nmod lioforo it is 

 planted. It is necessary to prune yonng trees when transplanting to 

 restrire tho bnlanco botwcfMi i-ontp and top. ^faiiy of the roots Avere cut 



