66 STOCKS. 



remembered that briars are taken often from the 

 natural shelter of the hedge or wood, and are planted 

 out in the open to face the winter, and this, after hav- 

 ing been cut back root and branch, is a most severe 

 test for any tree. I often think such valuable stocks 

 receive but scant attention until they are budded, and 

 many growers deserve to lose far more than they do. 



After gathering your stocks they are best planted 

 in rows, allowing a foot between each stock and three 

 feet between the rows. I find it wisest to drive in a 

 strong stake at the end of each row, and one or more 

 along the rows in line, and then to strain two strands 

 of galvanised wire at the top and middle from end ro 

 end. To these strands I tie my briars. It keeps them 

 from being blown about by rough winds, which are 

 most harmful when they are putting out new roots. 

 If half standard briars are got from the hedgerow, 

 another strand of wire will be necessary at about one 

 foot from the ground, for you will cut all your half 

 standard stocks to 2 or 2^ feet in length. It is a very 

 good plan to try and cut your stocks to fixed lengths, 

 such as 2, 4 and 6 feet; few people do it, but when 

 your trees are formed and ready to transplant it will 

 make all the difference to the look of your garden if 

 you can match them in height. 



A row of ill-matched standards reminds one of 

 the " Awkward Squad," and certainly spoils the effect 

 of a straight edge to a well-made path or bed. 



In planting your briars when taken from the gar- 

 den or nursery, do not plant too deep; six inches 

 works out at a good uniform depth. You should only 

 have the ** collar," that is the point where root merges 

 into stem, three inches below the surface of the soil. 

 Of course, unless tied to a stake or strands of wire, 

 this would not be deep enough to support a stock or 

 tree against a rough wind until it was well rooted; 

 but it is the natural depth, and if you exceed it you 

 will in all probability loose your tree. 



