11 Sept., 1916.] 



Apple Culture in Victoria. 



531 



of planting would best suit the requirements, and for reasons similar 

 to those advanced in favour of the diagonal method, when adopted 

 advantageously. 



Generally speaking, when establishing an orchard in a locality in 

 which serious irregular undulations exist in the area to be planted, 

 work to the contour, as nearly as circumstances will permit, by placing 

 the rows of trees parallel to the ridges. 



Stakes and Pegs. 



When the young trees are being planted out in their permanent 

 positions in the orchard, particularly on exposed situations and when 

 their roots are hard pruned, the use of stakes to support them is 

 recommended. By tliis means they are enabled to maintain their upright 

 positions until such time as the root systems are thoroughly estab- 



^4^ Pound 



I 



^^y/y^mm 



Surface 



\^ 



Fi','. 1. Fig. 2. 



Plate 15. — Stakes and pegs for trees. 



lished and thriftiness insured. When the stakes arc not employed for 

 the purpose mentioned, the wind causes the trees to wobble, and the 

 young roots are frequently broken off on the side on which the wind 

 strikes, causing the trees to lean to the opposite direction. It often 

 proves a difficult proposition to remedy this defect. 



When the stakes are used and the trees securely fastened to them, the 

 root systems become established without interrui)tion. This not only 

 insures the trees' uprightness and future stability, but also permits 

 of more extended root areas being operated upon to supply the sap 

 requirements of the trees. 



Trees with short stems, from 12 to 15 inches, are rccomiiicnded, and 

 particularly when the orchard is in an exposed situation. The tree 

 should 1)0 planted to the same depth at which it grew in the nursery 

 row. 



