lo April, 19 12.] Propagation of Fruit Trees. 211 



brittle or projecting roots should always be placed in the centre, and these 

 having fibrous roots upon the outside. \Vhen the branch growths of trees 

 are being tied together preparatory to inclusion in a bundle straw should 

 be carefully and liberally used to prevent breakage, particularly two-year- 

 old pruned trees, or one-year-old branched pruned. When a double-ended 

 bundle is being packed it is treated in practically the same manner as the 

 bottom of a single or bottle-shaped one. A piece of hessian or bagging 

 strapjDed around the root end of the bundle will help to conserve the 

 moisture for a longer period. Deciduous trees so packed, will carry 

 safely over a seven to ten days'" journey in the winter months. To water 

 the root end of the bundles when packed is an advantage; the roots must 

 always be well watered before packing takes place. The number of trees 

 and the name of the variety should be written on a tag, and the tag 

 attached to that particular parcel before its inclusion in the bundle. Ever- 

 green trees, such as citrus and loquats, if the roots are packed first in partly- 

 decayed straw or grass hay, then in bagging, and finally, in straw or 

 rush, will carrv v^^ithout hurt upon a short journey, but the better method 

 is to pack them in cases standing the trees upright and covering the top 

 with hessian. This is done by nailing two pieces of wood upright about 

 3 in X ^ in., the height being controlled by the growth of the trees to 

 be packed ; nail these uprights in the centre, one at each end of the case, 

 upon the outside. Then nail a crosspiece to the top of the uprights (if 

 the case is a large one it will be necessary to duplicate the uprights and 

 crosspiece) ; bore two holes at each end of the case, horizontal to each 

 other, and about 7 in. apart ; take a short piece of stout rope, pass the 

 ends through from the outer side, tie a knot at each end and nail it dawn 

 to the inside of the case. The rope should be long enough that when 

 this operation is finished the case will have two crude handles for lifting 

 purposes. Before the trees are packed in the box all bruised or injun^d 

 roots should be cut away. Then, using fresh water, puddle clay, until it 

 is the onsistencv of cream, dab the roots well into it, and having done 

 this, pack the trees closely together in the case in an upright position, 

 iilling in amongst the roots with wet sawdust. Shake down the sawdust 

 well to ensure that the roots are sufficiently covered ; lightly water to settle 

 the sawdust. Finally, draw the tops of the branches together, if neces- 

 sary, with a piece of twine and provide a covering of hessian, tacked to 

 the uprights, cross piece, sides and ends of the case. If the package is to 

 be forwarded by steam-boat it should be clearly labelled by stencilling: — • 

 " Keep from heat of engines." Deciduous trees destined for a long sea 

 voyage should be packed in cases ; the roots first puddled in clay and then 

 packed around with .some suitable material that will hold the moisture and 

 not generate heat. Sphagnum moss is preferable. The trees should be 

 laid lengthwise in the case ; those well matured and not overgrown should 

 be selected for long journeys. Trees properly packed will carry in good 

 condition from any of the Australian States to South Africa and South 

 Am.erica. A limited number of trees is being exported annually to those 

 •countries from Victoria. 



{To be c on tinned.) 



