126 



THE NUKSERY. 



take measures to change tlieir character. "We, therefore, 

 remove the small tapering portion of the root, as at fig. 

 84, A J and this ensures the production of lateral or 

 spreading roots near the surface of the ground. The 



pear roots espe- 

 cially are inclined 

 more to descend in 

 a straight line than 

 to spread ; and un- 

 less they are well 

 cut back when 

 young, they are 

 always difficult to 

 transplant safely 

 afterwards. Eoots 

 that descend like 

 the prongs of a 

 fork, are usually 

 destitute of fibres ; 

 whilst those that 

 spread out hori- 

 zontally, or near 

 the surface, are 

 well furnished with 

 fibres, that not 

 only make trees 

 easily transplant- 

 ed, but inclined to 

 early fruitfulness. 

 Tliis operation on 

 the roots, it is ob- 

 vious, destroys the natural balance or proj>ortion that ex- 

 isted between them and the tops. Hence the necessity 

 for shortening the stem in a corresponding manner. But 

 even if the roots were not shortened, the stems should be, 



Fig. 84. 



Fig. 84, a seedling stock, one year's growth, as it 

 comes from the seed bed. The line at ^, shows the 

 shortening of the tap root. That at B, the shortening 

 of the stem before replanting. fXg. 85, a quince cutting ; 

 the cross lines on the stem and roots indicate the prun- 

 ing before replanting. 



