642 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. [ii Sept., 1911. 



PROPAGATION OF FIUIT TREES. 



{Continued from page 529.) 

 C. F. Cole, Orchard. Supervisor. 

 Trimming Stocks for Planting. 



When performing this important operation it is just as easy to make a 

 correct cut as an incorrect one. The chief aim of the operator is directed 

 against the roots, and by careful and intelligent cutting good sound uni- 

 form conditions are encouraged. 



The future growth of the stock and tree is influenced to a very great 

 extent by the roots. To get an evenly balanced tree, it is necessary to 

 have weil-balanced root growths. The stronger the root supply upon the 

 one side, the greater will be the flow of sap and elaboration of nourishment 



FAULTY ROOT CONDITIONS. 



CORRECT TREATMENT. 



to those parts of the tree influenced by the -stronger roots. Fig. 24 shows 

 such a type of stock, the stronger root conditions upon the one side starv- 

 ing those upon the other ; consequently, the side of the tree corresponding 

 with these roots is the stronger. To rectify this, and to bring about an 

 evenly balanced root condition, the three large roots .should be hardened 

 back as shown in Fig. 25. 



Figs. 26a and 26b illustrate two common types of apricot seedlings 

 from .seed bed. One has a long tap root, whilst the other has typical and 

 uniform root conditions. When trimming apricot stocks, cut the roots 

 fairly hard back and remo\e any bruised or broken ones. The lateral 

 growths should be cut cleanly and close into the main stem, only leaving 

 two; these are cut hard back at the terminal end to form the head of the 

 ^tock, see Fig. 26b. The lateral growths should not be snicked off in a 



