254 The Principles of Fruit -growing. 



The trees may be trimmed before they are planted, 

 although it is generally better to do it just after 

 they are set, especially if the tree is trimmed after 

 the method of Fig. 26, for one can then better esti- 

 mate the proper height, the operation is easier done, 

 and there is no further danger of breaking off the 

 limbs by the handling of the tree. One foot is 

 planted firmly at the base of the tree, and then with 

 one hand the branch to be removed is bent upwards 

 and with the other the knife is applied to the under 

 side and the cut is made neatly and easily (Fig. 31, 

 page 253). Never cut downwards on a limb, for a 

 ragged wound nearly always follows. 



In fall -set trees it is generally inadvisable to 

 prune them before spring (unless the tops are so 

 heavy and the bodies so weak that they are likely 

 to be injured by wind), because the cut surfaces 

 are likely to dry out. The roots of the tree are 

 not yet sufficiently established in the soil to supply 

 the added evaporation which takes place from the 

 wounds. If it seems to be desirable to trim the 

 trees when they are set, they should be cut back 

 only part way. They may be cut again, to fresh 

 wood, in the spring. 



THE LAYING -OUT OP THE FRUIT PLANTATION. 



It is difficult to make the rows straight in large 

 areas, especially on rolling ground. Persons who 

 have had areas regularly surveyed with chain and 

 compass, and a stake set for every tree, may have 



