Rural School Leaflet 



1015 



exposed to strong winds. The branches are then cut, or headed, back to 

 a length of twelve to eighteen inches. The cuts should be made close 

 to a bud with a drawing motion of the knife. The top bud is usually an out- 

 side bud, because it is desired that the branch that comes from it shall grow 

 outward rather than inward toward the center of the tree. There is 

 usually present a central branch, or leader as it is called, which will continue 

 the growth of the trunk if 

 allowed to remain. This may 

 well be taken out. 



Preliminary records. — In 

 the presence of two reliable 

 witnesses the following 

 measurements should then be 

 taken: circumference of the 

 trunk and circumference of 

 the main branches. The cir- 

 cumference of the trunk 

 should be taken at the base 

 of the tree about two or three 

 inches above the place where 

 it was budded, or far enough 

 above the crook to be sure 

 that the measurement obtain- 

 ed is not too close to the 

 enlargement formed by the 

 operation of budding. These 

 measurements may be taken 

 with a piece of string, the 

 length of which may be deter- 

 mined by measuring on a 

 square or rule. The circum- 

 ference of the main branches should be taken close to the point where 

 they spring from the tree and may be found in the same manner. 



Cultivation. — The tree must be well cared for during the growing 

 season. The ground should be cultivated at least once a week during 

 the summer until the middle of August. This is in order to prevent the 

 soil from becoming dry, and to preserve, as far as possible, the moisture 

 content of the soil in which the roots are situated. In August a cover- 

 crop of rye or buckwheat may well be sown about the tree. This uses 

 up the excess moisture and protects the land about the tree roots during 

 the winter. Often the tree continues growth so late in the season that 

 the buds are immature when cold weather comes if a cover-crop is not 

 used. The cover-crop should not be sown too close to the trunk of the 



The crook formed by the operation of budding 

 should be put below ground when the trees are 

 set in the field 



