NEW ZEALAND GARDENING. 47 



ultimately the varieties of apples required should be grafted 

 on these stocks. With such precautions, properly carried 

 out, the trees will be free from American blight (or woolly 

 aphis). Trees are frequently sold purporting to be so worked, 

 which are really only worked above the ground, and which is 

 no advantage at all. Strong and vigorous growing apples 

 should be worked on Northern Spy stocks ; the small and 

 weakly growing varieties, on the Majetin. Young trees 

 should be lifted carefully, and, before planting, cut off every 

 root that grows downward the surface roots are the most 

 valuable take off all bruised or ragged ends with a sharp 

 knife. Mark off your land for planting, placing a peg in 

 the ground where each tree is to stand, in alternate rows 

 *!*!*!* > twenty feet tree from tree, and twenty-five feet 

 row from row. Some orchardists advocate planting much 

 closer and thinning out afterwards. The former plan is the 

 better for permanent orchards. Make holes, not more than 

 nine inches deep, and larger than required to admit the 

 roots, place the tree in the centre, carefully spreading out 

 the roots all round, then cover up with fine mould, treading 

 gently but firmly with the foot. The stem must stand a 

 little higher out of the ground than required, to allow for 

 settling down. The surface should just cover the collar 

 and no more. If the orchard is in an exposed situation, the 

 trees will require staking as directed for transplanted trees. 

 The soil must be dry at the time of planting : this is essential 

 to success. If the trees have been well-formed from the 

 nursery, they will require very little pruning for some years, 

 beyond Summer stopping or pruning, which is the best 

 treatment of all (see Summer stopping). During the early 

 years of their growth, the trees should be encouraged to 

 assume a bowl-shaped appearance, which can easily be done 

 if they have been attended to from the first. The ground 

 should be kept free from weeds or grass for at least six or 

 eight feet each side of the tree. The intervening space 

 may in the meantime be cropped with roots ; do not plant 

 small fruits such as currants, gooseberries, or raspberries, 

 which would prevent the free use of the drill grubber during 

 the Summer months. Never use a spade within six feet of 

 the stems. Use a flat-tined fork, which will not injure the 

 surface roots, which are the most valuable and most es- 

 sential to the production of the best fruit. 



