lo June, 1911-] 



Propagation of Fruit Trees. 



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should be cultivated, so as to keep down any weed growths. If planting 

 in deep and freshly-prepared ground, tread the soil with the flat of the 

 foot along the line before making the cut. 



When planting out almond, apricot, or peach stones permanently for 

 working upon during the following budding season, make a shallow drill 

 (about i^ inches deep) along the planting line with the end of a hoe blade. 

 Place the stones 3 inches apart in the drill, and press them slightly into 

 the soil with the thumb or finger. Care should be taken to put the stonej^ 

 upon the flat. (See illustration No. 8.) If planted like Fig. 8B or 8C 

 there is a risk of a percentage of the stocks having twisted stems, similar 

 to that shown in No. 9. Cover the stones with \\ in. of sand or light soil 

 If planting in stiff soil and no sand or light soil is available, i inch of 

 well-pulverized soil will be ample. There is a difference of opinion re- 

 garding the proper method of planting stones, nuts, &c. Some maintain 

 that it is correct to place the end from which the root emierges downwards ; 

 this is generally the pointed end. Others hold that they should be placecf 

 upon the flat. I consider the latter to be the correct 

 method, not only from results obtained, but from 

 the natural position in which seeds, &c., are found 

 when shed upon a level surface. 



Root-Graft Planting. — Root-grafts should be 

 planted well down, to protect the uniting parts from 

 adverse weather conditions which prevail at times 

 in the spring and early summer. It will also give 

 a chance of increasing the root supply by the buds 

 upon the scions striking root. Grafts so planted are 

 not liable when growing to sway, and thereby cause 

 the root below the union to become bent during wet 

 squally weather. 



The best results are obtained by planting out 

 direct from the grafting bench. If. owing to 

 weather conditions or other pressing work, there 

 should be any delay, the grafts should be heeled 

 in thicklv in a sheltered position for the time. 

 Care should be taken that the tound part is placed 

 well below the surface. Plant out permanently when 

 the first opportunitv offers, and before the binding ^'- '<' "^i 1 ' «" \\ ronc; 

 starts to decay. ' ' method of planting- 



When planting, handlr with care. Open out a gri|i and plant the same 

 distance as rooted stocks, if required for permanently working upon. After 

 filling in and treafling carefully with the foot, press the soil firmlv around 

 the .scion with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. It ofter* 

 happens that there is a heavy fall of rain, which cau.ses the prepared soil 

 to become for tiio time being unfit for planting. To plant while in thi."; 

 condition is not only faulty, but injurious. If the soil is of a sandv or 

 porous nature. i)lanting may be rf)ntinued shortly after without injurv to the 

 young st<icks. If. on the other hand, it is heavy, and of a retentiv*^ nature, 

 and liable to puddle, jjlanting should lie delayed, otherwise the puddled 

 soil will set about the roots, and cause the stocks to become stunted. 



With cuttings that have formed callus, open out the grip and i)l.int 

 them the same as rooted sto<'ks. On no account should cuttings be allowed 

 to eallus. or start rcw^tinp lefoif being planted <int where tlxv ar<' f"* 

 reni.Tm permanent 1\, 



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