IRISH GARDENING 



to let the soil nm between the roots. When all the 

 roots are spread out and covered, add the remaining 

 soil, and tread firmly. The depth of the plantiiig^ should 

 be such that the upper roots will be about 2 or 3 inches 

 below the surface when finished. If any roots are 

 jag-g:ed or torn, cut the ends cleanly off with a .sharp 

 knife, and shorten back all strong- and downward roots. 

 Dwarf or bush trees may be planted from 8 feet to 12 

 feet apart, and half standards from 20 feel to 24 feet 

 apart 



M.\NIKING. — Do not apply manure directly to the roots 

 at time of planting ; but when planting has been finished, 

 a dressing of half-rotted manure should be spread on 

 the surface of the soil round each tree for a distance of 

 about two feet from the stem, care being taken not to 

 allow the manure to come into contact with the stem. 

 A top-dressing of manure applied every winter tends to 

 keep the roots growing near the surface, and also helps 

 to keep moisture about the roots in dry, hot summer 

 weather. 



Pri'NING.^ — Trees must be pruned the first year, but 

 this operation may be put oft" until March, when any 

 branches which are inclined to grow in-wards, and which 

 tend to crowd up the centre of the bush, must be cut 

 away, except about two inches, which should be allowed 

 to remain ; the leading or main branches or vonng 



growths which are growing in an outward direction 

 should have half of their length cut off, allowing half to 

 remain and form the main branches of the tree. Always 

 be careful when cutting these "leading" growths that 

 the cut is made about ^-inch above a bud which is 

 pointing in an outward direction. .Always use a sharp 

 knife. 



I.MPOR TAN 1. What to do if your Trees arc makingvery 

 Strong Gru-,vlh andgh'ingno Fruit. Some times apple trees 

 break into very strong growth when they have been 

 planted for 3 or 4 years, and do not produce any fruit, when 

 this is the case they should be " root pruned." This is 

 best done during the early winter months by cutting a 

 trench round the tree, about 3 feet from the stem for 

 <S or 10 year old trees, and about z feet for trees 

 planted 3 years ; then work in well under the tree, and 

 cut any strong or downward roots; in fact, young trees 

 would be better lifted altogether and replanted. This 

 operation will check the growth, and fruit buds will be 

 formed the following summer. 



Gener.\l Hints. — Planting Time. All fruit trees 

 may be planted between November and February, but 

 no planting should be done during frost or when the 

 soil is very wet and sticky. 



Deep planting should always be avoided, as it tends to 

 cause the trees to become diseased, especially in wet or 



Established 1 820 



S. SPOONER & SONS 



Fruit Tree Growers 



HOUNSLOW NURSERIES 



HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX 



Ji J- 



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100,000 One and Two=year Old 

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 Belle Aliiance, crimson 

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