64 HORTICULTURE, FORESTRY, FLORICULTURE 



headed that it will require a ladder to reach the lowest branches pro- 

 ducing fruit. The old objection that the lower branches of low- 

 headed trees interfere with orchard cultivation is easily met by the 

 fact that a great many trees have a habit of growth which permits 

 work under their branches even when low-headed without additional 

 inconvenience. Those which do not have such a habit can be im- 

 proved by proper pruning, and the head need be only a little higher 

 than in the others. The low-headed tree, therefore, is rapidly becom- 

 ing the only one used in commercial plantings. 



The question is often asked, "What is the proper height to head 

 an apple tree?" Authorities differ, some giving one foot as the de- 

 sired height, others as much as three feet. It is scarcely wise to 

 make any hard and fast rule as the height which will be found most 

 advantageous will vary with different varieties. For up-right grow- 

 ing varieties like Wealthy and Northwestern, 18 inches to 2 feet will 

 be sufficient. Varieties like Longfield with a spreading habit and 

 slender branches should be headed somewhat higher. 



Distribution and Number of Branches. The proper distribu- 

 tion of the main branches is one of the most important things to con- 

 sider in the young tree. It has already been stated that the closeness 

 of planting in the nursery row frequently causes all the branches 

 to form on two sides of the tree, or to become so curved that when 

 set in the orchard there are branches only on two sides. Good trees 

 can seldom be formed from these trees. The branches should be well 

 distributed around the trunk, and sufficient in number so that if any 

 form V-shaped crotches, they may be removed. Usually four to 

 five branches will be sufficient from which to select the foundation 

 for the head of the tree. These branches should be good, strong ones. 

 Frequently a nursery tree has only small slender branches arising 

 from the trunk at the height desired for forming the head. This is 

 usually due to improper pruning in the nursery row. Such trees 

 are not first class and should be refused. 



Deal Directly with the Nursery Man. Three-fourths of the 

 trouble which arises over the tree purchases could be avoided by 

 ordering directly from the nurseryman rather than through a 

 nursery agent. Almost invariably they will push the "novelties" 

 which are high-priced, and which later turn out to be worthless. It 

 is usually a good practice to let some one else try out the new sorts. 



All bona fide nursery agents in some States must have an agent's 

 certificate issued by the State Nursery Inspector. This certificate 

 gives the name of the firm the agent represents. A purchaser has 

 the right to see the certificate and if the agent fails to show it upon 

 request, do not risk signing any contract which he presents. 



Where any considerable number of trees are to te purchased, 

 there are other reasons than those given above for dealing directly 

 with the nurseryman. The agent nas a set order to be filled out 

 which gives the number, kind, and size of trees wanted. It says 

 nothing whatever about the height of the head, number of branches 

 and age of the trees which are quite as important as the items which 

 it enumerates. When you order directly from the nurseryman you 



