APPLES. 75 



for showing the character of the roots, and the 

 treatment these should receive a matter of vital 

 importance. As the roots are, so will the growth 

 be. As a rule, too much attention is paid to the 

 tops of trees, and too little to the roots. A tree 

 with a small top and a plenitude of healthy fibrous 

 roots in good soil, will arrive at a profitable bearing 

 state long before a tree with a large top and a few 

 unhealthy roots. Look then to the roots; they 

 are as the main- spring to the watch, or fuel to the 

 engine the motive power. If damaged, they must 

 be repaired and put in the best working order when 

 planting. As it is quite certain that the majority 

 for whose benefit these instructions are intended 

 know little or nothing about the nature of the roots 

 of trees, and as it is absolutely essential they should 

 know something on the subject, particular attention 

 is invited to the two following sketches, for they 

 teach valuable lessons. 



When a tree is dug from the ground, the roots 

 are more or less broken. Even with the greatest 

 care they cannot be retained in their integrity. As 

 a matter of fact, trees are often dug up quickly, and 

 the strong roots roughly chopped off or broken. 

 This is not of great consequence if they are rightly 

 treated, but if neglected, the results may be serious. 

 A torn or jagged wound in the flesh is slow in 



