8 SECOND THOUSAND QUESTIONS IN AGRICULTURE 



posed, it will ferment and heat as well as dry the tree roots danger- 

 ously. Besides, it costs altogether too much to dig such holes. As 

 for mixing the manure with the soil in filling around the roots, the 

 same dangers are likely to be encountered, and besides, too much 

 manure may come into direct contact with the roots. Plant the tree 

 in clean soil and spread the manure on top after filling the hole. The 

 rains will leach the richness and distribute it through the soil, and 

 the balance can be worked in with the spring cultivation or left around 

 the tree to reduce evaporation of moisture. 



Transplanting Date Palms. 



Can date palms be successfully transplanted? I have been told by 

 nurserymen that they will not live unless they are transplanted mrithout 

 disturbing the roots. 



Palm roots should not be cleared of the soil enclosing them, but 

 they are really very easy to move, because they have rope-like roots 

 which hold a ball of earth together. It is not likely to break and fall 

 apart as in the case of moving other trees. Trench around the plant 

 with a sharp spade so that the inside of the trench shall be a foot or 

 more (according to size of plant) from the base of the palm. Go down 

 a foot or two feet (according to size of plant, again) and then cut 

 under with the spade, until the plant stands in a loose ball of earth. 

 Lift out, with tackle if necessary; settle the earth in the new place 

 with water and keep moist. Remove a good part of the leaves before 

 moving. 



Advantages of Planting in Squares. 



Is there any objection to using the hexagonal system instead of 

 the square system on rolling land, and would not the hexagonal system 

 give greater yields from this acreage than if planted any other way? 



We would prefer laying out in squares, especially on uneven 

 ground, because it gives wider areas for working, although it does not 

 favor working in so many directions. We have never seen demonstra- 

 tion that the few more trees in the hexagonal planting made the acre 

 yield greater. The theoretical advantage of actually equal division 

 of land and the consequent setting of a few more trees, is either not 

 realized or is counter-balanced by the greater inconvenience in work- 

 ing. As for the trees getting the use of all the land we have no doubt 

 they do that, even if the roots have to go a little farther for it. 



Do Not Graft Apples on Pears. 



/ have twenty acres in pears which are about 25 years old, the main 

 trunks of the trees being in perfect condition, but the branches and limbs 

 are bad, due to the continued cutting out of the pear blight. Can I 

 graft apples on them? 



Apples have no durable affinity for pears and vice versa. Some- 

 times considerable growth is secured, but sooner or later the scions 



