H 6 THE FRUIT GROWERS GUIDE. 



are stamped with the " falsehood of extremes " extreme strength of branches and 

 extreme weakness of roots. 



As to the age of the trees, as it affects transplantation, that entirely depends on the 

 purpose for which they are intended, and the treatment they have received. A maiden 

 tree may have bad roots if the stock has long occupied the same ground without 

 removal. Some soils favour strong growth, and annual lifting may be necessary for 

 insuring sturdy trees. Other soils maintain a happy reciprocal action between roots 

 and branches, neither extending more than 18 inches yearly. Such trees may 

 only require transplanting every second or third year to insure productive pyramids 

 5 to 7 feet high. The point is to have healthy trees properly transplanted so that 

 they can be moved at almost any time. Many have been transplanted when in 

 full leaf, with comparatively little check to growth. In purchasing trees, those 

 known as maidens are the cheapest, and transplant well, but trees two or three 

 years from the maiden naturally bear sooner, and, properly trained and prepared 

 for removal, may be chosen, though as a rule the younger they are the better. 

 Larger trees bear still more quickly, but often also fail more speedily; every- 

 thing depends on their condition, with care in lifting, packing, and planting. The 

 sooner trees are planted after they are taken up the better, as root drying by 

 exposure is inimical, and in all cases errors in management have their outcome in 

 unserviceable trees. 



Taking up Trees. Great care should be taken in digging up trees to secure a 

 maximum number of small branching roots. Well- sharpened spades may be used to 

 sever the long roots cleanly, but trees that have been frequently transplanted are 

 better lifted with four-pronged steel forks than by thrusting a spade down on opposite 

 sides of each tree and tearing it up, whereby the fibrous roots are broken and the larger 

 lacerated. Tap-roots are of small value in fruit-tree planting, but it is important that 

 the trees have as many clean lateral roots as possible, and as many fibres attached to 

 them as practicable. These should never be allowed to get dry when out of the ground, 

 and they cannot be covered over or the trees packed for transit too soon. The roots 

 should be wrapped in wet straw, the branches secured to stakes to prevent breakage, 

 and then the whole covered with straw, bound tightly to prevent drying. Too much 

 care cannot be bestowed in packing, and inattention to this important matter has often 

 been followed by broken branches, dried roots, and grievous disappointment. Trees 

 should be dispatched without any trimming or cutting back in order that the planter 



