STOCKS. 65 



ball of strong twine, we sally forth in the late autumrj 

 to fields we visited during the summer days where we 

 marked down good standards or weeping briars grow- 

 ing in all their glory. Having cleared the way with 

 our secateurs, we proceed to dig round tlTe stem with 

 care, and soon discover how our prize is rooted. As 

 a rule on heavy land fibrous roots are few, and the 

 main root runs to a great depth. It is not necessary 

 to follow the tap root far, but only to cut it at about 

 five inches deep, ana when you get your briars home 

 for planting this tap or main root will be again 

 shortened to about three inches, and the rough cut of 

 the stock or grub axe will be replaced by the clean 

 cut of a knife, made so that the cut lying flat on the 

 soil will throw out a liberal supply of fibrous roots. 



Wihen you get your standard briars out of the 

 hedge or from the open glades of a wood, cut them 

 as long as possible and tie them up in bundles of six. 

 As you move on you do not want to be hampered with 

 more than it is absolutely necessary to carry; there- 

 fore lay each bundle in a ditch, making careful notes 

 as to what you have, and then on the return journey 

 gather up all your spoils, and tying them into large 

 bundles, wend your weary way home. Avoid the 

 frosty day for your expeditions, and as you secure 

 each bundle of six, cover up the roots with grass or 

 leaves to keep them from the frost or drying winds. 

 You may easily miss the spot where you have laid a 

 bundle, and if the roots are covered up it will be safe 

 until the next day. In selecting your standards choose 

 only two to four year old stems ; these are easily 

 judged by their growth and bark. Avoid any cankered 

 wood, and if an old stock is secured by reason of its 

 height or stem, try to save every fibrous root you can 

 to ensure its growing after being transplanted, which 

 should be before the end of the year. 



First year wood is too tender, and is best left 

 growing for another season, since it is most liable, 

 after transplanting, to be cut with frost. It must be 



