ESSAY ON THE APPLE. 57 



when we remember that the tree has been deprived of a portion 

 of its roots, through which the top received its sustenance. Gen- 

 erally, then, first prune to bring the tree into proper shape ; 

 next, shorten the limbs to balance as near as may be .the amount 

 of root that has been removed, cutting most those shoots that 

 have a decided upward tendency, for the larger the space of 

 ground you can make the branches of an apple tree cover, other 

 things being equal, the larger will be your crop of fruit. 



The ground having been previously prepared, holes for the 

 reception of the roots should be made, and let them be so large 

 that there will be no cramping or crossing thereof that did not 

 exist in the nursery, and the deepest at the outside ; first, to 

 invite the roots from the surface ; second, that the earth may 

 not sink away, take the center of the tree down till it shall be 

 lower than some parts of the root adjacent. Put in the earth 

 slowly and carefully, being sure that it touches every portion of 

 all the roots, pressing down that which is on top firmly with the 

 foot to fix it in its place. The tree should be planted at the 

 same depth it stood in the nursery. 



Three stakes, to keep the tree in its place, should be planted 

 at a distance of at least one foot from the tree, and equidistant 

 from each other. The fastening should be of a material that will 

 not chafe the bark, and be so loose as to allow a vibration of two 

 inches in every direction. 



We desire to impress the idea that no matter how perfect may 

 be the tree, or how well adapted and prepared the soil, careless- 

 ness in planting will more than balance these advantages, and 

 the orchard will prove a failure. 



Better pay a competent, careful man ten dollars an hour for 

 doing the work properly than to have it done as it most usually 

 is, for nothing. 



We have before noted our objection to cultivating other crops 

 in orchards, and we do not believe the highest success can be 

 attained when this is done. We would have the whole field kept 

 mellow by frequent plowing and horse-hoeing, going deeper as 

 you leave the trees. If any crops are cultivated, preference 

 should be given to roots and hoed crops. Wheat is injurious, 

 and rye should never, under any circumstances, be allowed ;. and 

 never suffer a plow to come nearer than ten feet to the tree, 

 under any consideration. Keep all weeds down for this distance 

 by stirring the soil often with the fork and spade. 



