APPLE GROWING IN CALIFORNIA. 



CHAPTER VI. 



SETTING AND CARING FOR THE YOUNG TREES. 



The tract of land to be planted being- laid out with stakes to mark 

 the position of each tree, it is next necessary to have some way of 

 determining the position of a tree where the stake stood after its 



removal in the digging- of 

 the hole. A simple but 

 satisfactory apparatus for 

 doing this is shown in 

 Fig. 25. 



This is placed against 

 the stake at the point a, 

 pins are then driven 

 through the holes at h and 

 7/ 1 , thus securely fastening 

 the frame to the ground. 

 The portion in front of 

 hinges is now thrown back 

 and the hole dug. After- 

 wards the front and main 

 portion of the frame is 

 again moved forward over 

 the hole and the tree placed 

 in the crotch at point a, 



which corresponds exactly to the place where stake originally stood. 

 With such an apparatus great accuracy may be attained. The hinges 

 shown in figure are not a necessity as such an apparatus may be made 

 without, but is less convenient as it must be removed from stakes en- 

 tirely, while holes are being dug. A straight piece of board with notch 

 in center and holes or notches at each end for the stakes is frequently 

 used. 



Fig. 25. A simple apparatus used in setting- 

 trees. (Original) 



DEPTH TO PLANT. 



The rule is to plant trees in the orchard slightly deeper than they 

 grew in the nursery, or in other words, the bud union should be at the 

 surface of the ground when the tree is set. The depth of planting may 

 be varied slightly without any apparent detriment to the growth of 

 the trees, but all things being considered there is probably no better 

 depth than is indicated by the bud union at the ground line, and care 

 must be taken not to plant too deep as such may result in the death of 

 the trees. 



FILLING IN THE HOLE. 



The tree being placed in the hole at the proper depth, and the roots 

 being spread naturally, the soil is now carefully packed about them. 

 The entire space about the crown should be closely filled with soil, 

 and the careful planter will use his hands in doing this work. After 

 the roots have been properly cared for, the shovel is used to fill in the 



