recently removed Trees. 453 



the tree; b c d e are strong stakes, inserted beyond the 

 extremities of the roots, to each of which the cross is firmly 

 nailed ; f g a cross bar, confining the tree absolutely and im- 

 movably within the angle of the cross. The tree is neces- 

 sarily touched, and even pressed at three points, and deprived 

 of every the smallest vestige of motion in any direction. 

 Should the bark be partially denuded at the three points of 

 contact, a circumstance by no means usual or necessary, when 

 the workmanship is neatly performed, I consider it only a 

 very venial fault, which the free-flowing sap of a vigorous 

 tree will soon repair ; but if, from the slovenliness of the 

 workmanship, motion be permitted, serious injury may be 

 inflicted on the collar, by the friction against the cross. 



The position of the cross or supports, relative to the sur- 

 face, must be regulated by the following considerations : — 

 When neatness is greatly desirable, they may be concealed 

 under the soil, or their upper sides made just level with the 

 surface. This, however, presupposes a depth of soil over the 

 roots to the extent of the diameter of the spars ; say three or 

 four inches at least ; but such deep planting, more especially 

 with fruit trees, is generally and deservedly disapproved of. 



When, therefore, elegance and concealment are not so 

 imperatively called for, it may be prudent to keep the hori- 

 zontal spars at least an inch clear of the surface, both to ad- 

 mit of shallow planting, and also to avoid their being bent or 

 displaced by the heaving of the surface from the expansion 

 during frost. 



As to the stakes, if the direction already given be attended 

 to, their depth will insure their stability. 



The swelling of the collar, generally about the middle of 

 the second summer, will indicate the time when, support 

 being no longer necessary, restraint might become hurtful. 



The efficiency of this method depends upon the firmness of 

 the stakes and the durability of the materials, and its ele- 

 gance upon the concealed position of the cross and neatness 

 of the junctures ; in effecting which, the operation of the 

 carpenter termed half-checking (that is, letting each into 

 each to the extent of the same diameters respectively) ought 

 to be had recourse to. 



In every instance the limbs of the cross should be of length 

 sufficient to extend beyond the roots of the tree, lest these 

 be injured in driving the stakes ; and, if this cannot be ac- 

 complished, care must be taken to insert the stakes in the 

 interstices. But length of limb is more desirable than 

 strength or number of stakes, and indeed will, in' some in- 

 stances, when the cross is sunk in the soil, be sufficient of 



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