16 THE KANSAS PEACH. 



in cost between this method and by express affords quite a profit in 

 itself. If I were planting an orchard of only 5000 trees, and had no 

 one at the same shipping point to unite with in making shipments, I 

 would plant only one variety. The planter who selects varieties that 

 are not suited to his location, or will not meet the wants or whims of 

 his market, makes a mistake fatal to his financial success. The com- 

 mercial grower should buy his trees direct from reliable nurserymen, 

 whose trees can be relied upon as being true to label, propagated from 

 healthy, vigorous stock, and given careful and thorough cultivation. 

 Avoid trees from sections where the yellows, rosette, or any disease 

 capable of being transmitted, prevails. Do not accept trees of more 

 than one year from the bud as a gift. [ ! ! ! ] For my own planting in 

 orchards, I do not want a tree over three to four feet in height, and after 

 a large experience with June buds, I am convinced they give as good 

 results and as quick returns as any other tree that can be planted. 

 June buds, however, should not be dug before December, as they make 

 a late growth, and the wood is not properly matured sooner. 



V — TIME FOR PLANTING IN GEORGIA. 



A tree jDlanted in November or December will by the ensuing 

 spring have formed sufficient new roots to give it firm hold in the 

 ground, and will grow off rapidly when active vegetation begins. 

 Trees can be transi>lanted as late as March, and in some seasons until 

 the first of April. All trees should, however, be procured not later 

 than December, and, if not ready to plant then, should be heeled in : 

 that is, the roots should be placed in a trench, allowing room to get 

 fine soil into all the interstices between the roots, and then cover 

 somewhat deej^ly with mellow soil. From this trench the trees can 

 be taken, a few at a time, as needed for planting. While in the 

 trench the cut roots will become calloused and ready to start with 

 vigor when planted. While handling trees that are out of the soil, it 

 should always be kept in mind that the absorptive power of the roots 

 is very much weakened by exposure to the drying influence of sun 

 and wind ; hence the necessity of keeping the roots protected from 

 every drying influence. After the young tree has been properly pre- 

 pared it should be placed in the hole with the roots in their natural 

 position ; then fine rich soil should be firmly packed among the roots, 

 so that every part of each root may be in close contact with soil. Do 

 not forget to pack firmly. 



VI — PRUNING. 



The work of pruning begins before the tree is jjlanted ; first, all 

 broken and bruised roots should be cut back to sound, healthy wood, 

 with a sloping cut on the under side of the root, always using a sharp 

 knife. If there are any side branches they should all be cut otf. 



