ORCHARDS. 75 



that existed in the structure of the tree is deranged. This 

 must be restored by a proper pruning, adapted to the size, 

 form and condition of the tree, as follows : 



Standard Orchard Trees. — These, as sent from the 

 nursery, vary from jBve to eight feet in height, with naked 

 stems or trunks, and a number of branches at the top forming 

 a head. These branches should be {someivhat shortened) cut 

 back to within three or four buds of their base. This lessens 

 the demand upon the roots, and enables the remaining buds 

 to push with vigor. In the case of older trees of extra size, the 

 pruning must be in proportion ; as a general thing, it will be 

 safe to shorten all the previous year's shoots to three or four 

 buds at their base, and where the branches are very numerous, 

 some may be cut out entirely. Although the above " hints 

 on transplanting," are from the pen of an experienced nur- 

 seryman, yet, we think, as regards pruning or preparing a 

 tree for transplanting, the writer recommends rather a free 

 use of the knife. Much, however, in our judgment depends 

 on the condition of the tree, and the preservation of the roots 

 in taking them up. With the usual fair proportion of roots, 

 as taken from the nursery, and careful setting, such severe 

 pruning as " cutting back to within three or four buds 

 of their base," is rather retarding the growth, and jeop- 

 ardizing the life of the young tree. The fact must be that 

 the tree needs some branches as well as roots, and will lose 

 less, and grow more vigorously, under favorable circum- 

 stances, with a moderate proportion of the former. We shall 

 quote other authorities on the subject, as this writer truly says, 

 more fatal errors are committed m iJTeparing young trees for 

 transplanting than on any other operation connected with 

 rearing trees. 



Pyramidal Trees. — '' If of two or three years' growth, 

 with a number of side branches, will require to be pruned 

 with a two-fold object in view, viz : The growth of the tree 

 and the desired form. The branches must be cut in the form 

 of a pyramid by shortening the lower ones, say one half? 

 those above them shorter, and the upper ones around the lead- 

 ing shoot to within two or three buds of their base. The 



