GENERA L PR A C TIC E-- PLANTING. , r 



the sap vessels in the branches. The root growth the first season, as may he HM-TI, 

 corresponds with the free growth of the branches. The tree is shown supported by three 

 stakes, but two upright stakes are preferable, and better than one to each tree in orchards 

 to which animals have access. A stout collar formed of some soft material should be 

 placed around the stem to prevent the stakes or ligatures injuring the bark. Small 

 larch makes excellent stakes, Spanish Chestnut and Ash are good, but Bastard Acacia 

 (Kobinia Pseud-acacia) is perhaps the best of all. 



Before proceeding to plant, it may be necessary in some cases to bring some prepared 

 compost to place about the roots. Turfy loam, mixed with the debris of a rubbish heap 

 with which a sixth of quicklime has been incorporated some weeks previously, and a 

 barrow-load of dry wood ashes to every ten of the mixture, form a suitable compost. 

 A barrow-load to each tree will be sufficient. This, in properly prepared ground, LS 

 unnecessary, but in some cases a little fresh soil favours speedy root action, and 

 consequently a good start of the trees into growth. It is an advantage to make 

 the excavations a few days in advance of planting in settled dry weather, but the soil 

 must be laid so that it will not interfere with the stretching of the line. This facilitates 

 planting operations, but we repeat, the work must never be done in wet weather. In 

 digging holes place the surface soil on one side and the bottom soil on another. This is 

 to have the top soil to place in direct contact with the roots in planting, the lower soil 

 being used to form a seat for the roots of the trees. These suggest the size of the exca- 

 vations, but in all cases they ought to be wider than the length of their roots, and the 

 bottom should be convex, or highest in the middle, so as to admit of their being spread 

 out straight, with a slight downward inclination. The bruised and broken roots must 

 be cut smooth, with the cut surface on the under side of the root. This will facilitate 

 healing and further root production. Any roots that have a straight downward inclination 

 should be cut clean off to those that proceed in a lateral direction ; the extent will be 

 determined by the roots, but the less vertical roots any fruit tree has the better. A, 

 Fig. 32, page 152, shows a pyramid tree as received from a nursery. Boot pruned and 

 planted it will appear as in J?, over a convex base, the soil over the roots, a little above 

 the ground level, being covered with a couple of inches in thickness of rather short fresh 

 manure. The station is concreted, and a drain provided to carry off the water. "Worms 

 also favour the percolation of rain through the soil, as shown to the left of B. The tree 

 is also shown pruned. In C 9 the tree, a bush, is planted up to the junction of the 

 stock and scion a reprehensible practice, as the upper roots are placed 6 inchec 



