654 Joiinial of Atjririiltiire, Virtoiid. [10 Nov., 1916. 



APPLE CULTURE LN VICTORIA. 



{('oiitiinied fidiii p'if/e 589.) 



Ill/ J. FarreJl, Orchard Suptrrisar. 



Growth Made by One-year-old and Two-year-old Trees Compared. 



It has been previously stated that the planting out of yearling whip- 

 growths is advocated. Wlaen planted out at one year old, the tree has 

 the advantage of being allowed to establish its root system early in life, 

 and its development is not impeded by further removal. When the 

 original ruots are pruned prior to planting, and tlie tree cut back to the 

 desired height subsequently, the newly formed root system is able t.o 

 produce and maintain the three leaders sent up from the crown. But 

 the two-year-old tree, when similarly treated at time of planting, is 

 rarely able to produce and sustain the number of new growths desired 

 for leaders. Whereas, if planted out one year sooner, the tree would 

 have thoroughly established its roots, and, owing to its extended feed- 

 ing area, the vigorous growths required would be obtained. 



Plate 26, Fig. 1, is a John Sharp apple, and a typical yearling of 

 this variety. Fig. 2 is a Prince Alfred, two years old. The latter, 

 when first pruned, was cut into the strong ripe yearling wood. This 

 enabled the leaders to strike off at a nice angle, and is a much better 

 method of forming the head than the one of making it prematurely by 

 cutting the young, soft wood, as explained in connexion with Plate 20, 

 Figs. 2 and 3. Figs. 3 and 4 are same trees, which were grown together 

 in the nurssry row, and pruned as shown before being planted out in a 

 fairly rich dark sandy loam. During the period of growth they received 

 similar treatment. 



Plate 27 shows the roots and branches made by same trees during 

 ihe period of growth. The roots and branches of Fig. 1 are strong and 

 well balanced, but the John Sharp usually responds well under fair 

 treatment. Although Fig. 2 made more roots than Fig. 1, it did not 

 produce as much wood on top. Prince Alfred is usually a vigoi'ous 

 grower, and it is probable that if this tree were planted out when one 

 year old it would now have a much more extensive branch system. 



Plate 28 illustrates the same trees, the leaders of which are pruned 

 to the buds suitable for the production of the growths desired for next 

 season. In the case of Fig. 1, the side buds are so placed as to permit 

 of the leaders being cut about 6 inches from the crown. While, when 

 Fig. 2 had advanced to the same stage, the buds, at which the cuts are 

 made in order to produce leaders in suitable positions, were not so con- 

 veniently placed. This necessitated rather long cutting of the leaders, 

 about 8 inches from their base. 



Top-grafted Trees. 



A top-grafted tree, as explained in connexion with Plate 17, Fig. 1, 

 consists of a scion of yearling wood of the desired variety, and contain- 

 ing three or four buds, according to the number of main arms, on which 

 it is intended to construct the framework of the tree, grafted on to the 

 stock, about 9 inches from the ground. 



In the case of Plate 29. Fig. 1, the scion is Jonathan on a two-year- 

 old Northern Spy stock. The scion originally contained four buds, and 



