252 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Thomas: I want to say that I regard Mr. Burton as an authority 

 on this question, and he has covered this subject, and all to the point. 

 There is one thing I would lilve to say; this is one of the most important 

 points in planting— do not dig the hole too deep or too shallow. My 

 opinion is that we can not, all the time, dig the hole exactly the right 

 depth, but be sure to get it deep enough. If the hole is too deep, fill it 

 up. There is more work in the planting of an apple tree than in any 

 other type of fruit; just dig the hole plenty deep, and if it is too deep, 

 fill it up. 



Amos Garrettson: Speaking about leaning a tree to the southwest. 

 I notice the trees have gone over to the position that had its main roots 

 in that direction. Be sure and get the strongest roots southward. They 

 will do more good. Now, I would like to ask the question from some of 

 these nurserymen: Quite a number of my trees have been set five or six 

 years and have blown over, can they be set back? 



W. C. Reed: They can by digging the dirt away from the other side, 

 and then push them back. Do thg.t in the spring when the ground is 

 soft. I straightened up a Yellow Transparent ti-ee, a few years ago, that 

 was touching the ground. 1 let it go uutil the ground was soft, and did 

 not fasten it there, just planted the tree back good and solid. It is all 

 right yet today. 



W. B. Flick: In regard to planting, I think the most important thing 

 in planting a tree has not been sufficiently mentioned, and that is the 

 proper firming of the dirt about the roots of the tree. I speak from ex- 

 pensive experience. When I set trees I want the dirt firmed about the 

 roots perfectly, usually they simply pat the dirt with their feet, that is 

 not firming. I insist upon this because I know it is a very important 

 thing in planting a tree. 



President Stevens: I would differ from Mr. Reed in planting. In- 

 stead of using stakes I would use a chain or wire twenty rods long. Take 

 your tape line, go along, mark the distance you want the trees apart, 

 measure along one edge of the field, set a stake out at the other end, 

 stretch your wire and you have the place you want your trckes without 

 setting a stake for each tree. I find that to be the best way of getting 

 your trees perfectly straight. If the trees are planted that way they are 

 true to a line. 



W. M. Waltman: All that discussed the question of setting the apple 

 tree have been very anxious to get a straight row. Now, if you come 

 into my orchard you make a sad mistake if you expect to see a straight 

 row, because I believe the crookeder the row the better they grow. We 



