80 ORCHARDS. 



TKANSPLANTIXG. 



^'Plantins;, in gardening and agricultm^e, implies the setting 

 of a plant or tree ; which, being moved from its former place, 

 is fixed in a fresh cavity proportioned to its size." 



The whole art of transplanting is a very simple affair, re- 

 quiring only care and attention, and there is not much differ- 

 ence of opinion among authors and fruit growers on this sub- 

 ject. The ground having been deeply ploughed or dug, and 

 the holes or places prepared as directed in the preceding 

 pages; choose a time in either Fall or Spring, when the ground 

 is not wet or frozen — November and March are, perhaps, the 

 best months for this operation in the South and West ; although 

 later in Spring and earlier in Autumn will answer. Some- 

 times there are spells during the winter months very favorable 

 to planting, and the author has succeeded well in planting 

 trees during mild, dry weather in winter. 



In light, puffy, or sandy soil, if such have to be used, Fall 

 planting is considered best, as the soil will become more set- 

 tled and compact by the time the trees commence growing. 

 On stiff clayey soils, Spring planting will do quite as well, if 

 not better. 



The directions contained in the following excellent article, 

 from the pen of John J. Thomas, Esq., on transplanting in 

 Autumn, may be considered fully sufficient, under ordinary 

 circumstances, of tree planting at that season of the year : 



" The question is often asked, what is the best time to set 

 out fruit trees ? Can we do it while the leaves are yet green, 

 or wait till near winter, after they have fallen? The answer 

 may be. Do it whenever the work can be well done, and while 

 the soil is in proper condition, as to dryness, for working 

 properly. If done early, the leaves must be carefully stripped 

 off, to prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture. We have 

 known trees to have been entirely spoiled in a few hours by 

 wilting, from carelessness in not removing the leaves when 

 taken up. In the Northern States, nurserymen usually com- 

 mence digging by the first of October. Some trees have en- 

 tirely' ceased growing by this time, including generally, cher- 



