148 AGRICULTURE. 



largest and smallest of five inches in circumference 

 and 12 1-2 feet in height; a most decisive proof of 

 the advantages of trenching.* 



When the holes are thus prepared, and at a dis- 

 tance not less than 30 feet from each other, and a 

 portion of the soil, is mixed with marl, the mud of 

 ponds, or bog-earth, returned to them, you may be- 

 gin to take up your young trees from the nursery ; 

 and, in doing this, you must be careful not to wound 

 or otherwise injure their roots or their bark ; nor 

 must they suffer any topping or pruning. Three 

 hands are necessary to planting ; one to place and 

 range the trees, and the others to fill in the remain- 

 ing part of the earth, mixed as above mentioned. 

 It now only remains to fix short poles (technically 

 called tutors) near them, to which they may be tied, 

 and by means of which their true vertical position 

 may be preserved. 



The year after planting, and in the month of Feb- 

 ruary^ when there is no circulation of sap, you will 

 do well to begin to give to the heads of your young ' 

 trees that form which you wish them ultimately to 

 take. The more circular you make them, the better, 

 always taking care to lop off those branches which 

 do already, or may hereafter, cross others having a 

 proper direction. This proper direction will be gen- 

 erally horizontal, but with a slight curve ; an opin- 

 ion requiring, perhaps, a little explanation. All 

 straight branches produce what are usually termed 

 gourmands, or gluttons, giving little if any fruit 

 themselves, and exceedingly exhausting the tree. 

 Curved branches, on the other hand, rarely produce 

 gourmands ; and, when the season is favourable, give 

 much fruit. The observation of these facts, made 



* The apple, pear, and cherry, occupying more room than the 

 peach, require proportionate trenches. 



t The last of June, after the tree has made its first growth 

 and is charged with elaborated sap, is recommended as the best 

 lime for performing this operation. J. B. 



