258 [ THE APPLE TREE 



tree can be transplanted with or without a ball of 

 earth, but if the operation is performed so early in 

 autumn it is preferable to transplant with a ball of 

 earth. All the leaves should be removed, leaving only 

 the last one or two leaves on each twig. This defoliation 

 is necessary in order that the tree being newly trans- 

 planted and therefore still weak, may not become too 

 exhausted, and the terminal leaf is allowed to remain, 

 so that the circulation of the sap may continue and 

 this will prevent the formation of new foliage so late in 

 the season. Trees transplanted in autumn will establish 

 themselves before winter, but those planted in winter 

 of course cannot form new roots before spring. This 

 means not only a gain of time, but also less risk of 

 failures, as the trees which are yet in the process of 

 establishing themselves when they put out the new 

 foliage in spring, will require to be watered oftener 

 and earlier in the season. Apple trees raised from 

 cuttings, layers or suckers should be planted rather 

 deeply, the object being to encourage the formation of 

 new roots from the stem which will aid the tree to 

 establish itself the sooner, and will give it a better hold 

 on the ground. 



The distance at which apple trees should be 

 planted apart, of course must vary according to the 

 situation, the soil, the variety planted, and the particular 

 form in which the tree is trained. In a close or sheltered 

 situation and on good deep soil where the apple 

 tree is expected to reach full size, the distance apart 

 should not be less than 4 metres in the row, 

 and 5 metres between one row and another. In 

 poorer soils and more open situations the distance 

 may be 2\ to 3 metres in the row, and 3^ to 4 

 meters from one row to another. Cordons may be 

 planted 50 c.m. to i metre apart, but pyramids or 

 standards planted along the walks or the sides of a 

 vegetable garden should have a distance of at least 



