72 



maturity, and old age, should be well cared for, and scrupu- 

 lously respected. Topping a tree immediately influences 

 these branches, makes them more juicy and robust, and cau- 

 ses them to produce an abundant supply of crop bearing 

 wood in the form of secondaries and tertiaries, which after 

 the first few years of the plants existence have to be mani- 

 pulated, removed, and renewed, in order to maintain 

 the tree in a bearing condition. A forecast of the probable 

 requirements consequent on aspect, climate, and general 

 position; and a careful estimate of the probable quality of the 

 soil, are points deserving of peculiar consideration in regard 

 to Topping. 



In exposed and windy situations it is obvious that it 

 would be unsafe to venture on a tall tree, in the same 

 manner as it would doubtless be unwise not to retain a 

 sufficient amount of crop bearing surface, to secure the full 

 advantage of a rich and sheltered valley. 



Two, to, two and a half, feet is an excellent height 

 for doubtful, or even somewhat exposed situations and in 

 sheltered hollows and on gentle slopes, even four and a half 

 feet may be safety tried in virgin soil. In reclamation, how- 

 ever, it is a fallacy to dream of tall trees. Such should only, 

 and c(\n only, be depended upon where the soil is undoubted- 

 ly rich, and any attempt to grow a tree above three and 

 half feet in height in old land, must at once be pronounced a 

 mistake. Both for new and old land three and half feefc 

 should be considered a most desirable standard, and 

 wherever the soil is known to be poor, or is considered 

 doubtful, it is much safer to have even a foot less than to 

 venture on any uncertain experiments. 



On a South face I must say I always prefer a short 

 plant as such expands and covers the ground much more 

 rapidly and undoubtedly stands the ordeal of drought much 

 better. 



