18 FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



fruitful ; the only remedy is to carefully dig up the tree, retaining all the small fibrous 

 roots, with as much soil adhering to them as possible, cutting back the strong roots where 

 they are marked across, then replant carefully and well. The roots must not be allowed 

 to get dry when out of the ground, which, if wet, must be drained, and a quantity of 

 dry mortar rubbish from old buildings should be mixed with the soil ; this, with a little 

 fresh loam and wood ashes, to be worked well amongst the roots, which should be spread 

 out, made firm, and covered 3 or 4 inches deep, a similar thickness of manure to 

 be spread on the ground over them and for a foot .beyond their extension. At the same 

 time the branches must be cut back to the bars. Little growth may be made the first 

 year, but eventually fresh fibres will form, and the tree will become fruitful through 

 having roots and branches similar to the right side of the figure, and the following year 

 the third after replanting it may be laden with excellent fruit. 



The columnar form of training is only applicable to a few upright-growing varieties 

 of apple ; therefore will be treated under " Pears." 



Bush Training. Bush apple-trees are the simplest and most easily managed of all forms, 

 The chief consideration is thinning the growths to prevent overcrowding, and to insure 

 a free exposure of the interior parts to the weather. They are especially adapted for 

 small gardens, generally very productive, and require but little space, affording much 

 interest, and enjoyable, profitable occupation. For planting in borders along the sides of 

 paths they are ornamental and readily accessible for manipulating the growths and 

 supplying all cultural necessities. They may be planted as close as 6 feet apart, and 

 kept as mere pigmies for a lifetime if desired, by root restriction and summer pruning, 

 but larger bushes are more useful. In maintaining health and fruitfulness fibrous roots 

 must be abundant in the surface soil ; leaves comparatively large, stout, and leathery in 

 texture ; and branches thinly disposed for the free admission of light and air, as then 

 only can the crude matter imbibed by the roots be converted into fruit-producing 

 material, and stored in the stems. 



Close planting, however, is not generally advisable, as, without strict adherence to 

 well-conducted routine, the trees become too large for the space. Six feet should be the 

 ultimate minimum of bush trees under dwarf culture, increasing the distance according to 

 the habit of varieties, for while such as Cellini, Margil, and Manks Codlin may be accom- 

 modated at 6 feet, strong growers like Lord Grosvenor, Lady Henniker, and others indicated 

 in the lists, Vol. I., page 334, will require 9 feet between the trees. This is mentioned, 

 as crowding the trees is as fatal to free cropping as is crowding the branches of individual 



