TRANSPLANTING, 271 



TRANSPLANTING. 



We see that some are recommending the practice of 

 transplanting trees in autumn, but we think this is not 

 the best season. If the intent is to set out trees, as 

 most people do, to be trimmed by horned cattle, and to 

 be hoed by the hogs, it is not of so much consequence 

 at what season the operation is performed. 



But if it is desired to have a thrifty orchard, that will 

 be productive in this present century, that will con- 

 tinue growing, notwithstanding the removal of the 

 roots to a distant field, it is of some consequence to 

 choose the best season of the year for the removal. 



Trees that are of the right age, and that are properly 

 set, require no staking : they do better to depend on 

 their own strength than to be tied up. But they should 

 always be supported with litter, or straw, or poor hay, 

 placed about the roots ; and if the land is not rich, 

 some coarse manure should be placed on the surface 

 about the tree. But if trees are transplanted in autumn, 

 it is dangerous to place any material of this kind in that 

 place for fear of the mice. 



We cannot see any propriety in exposing young 

 trees in new fresh earth, to stand and be racked six 

 months before there is any possibility of their taking 

 root. 



The best mode that we have tried is to take up our 

 trees early in spring, and bury their roots in a cool 

 place until the ground has become warm and mellow, 

 so that it may be placed nicely about the roots. This 

 need not be done before the first of May. If the trees 

 are then carefully set, they will begin to grow imme- 

 diately, and will often extend their limbs one foot 

 during the first season. They will bear in four or five 

 years. 



We intend, at the proper season, to be very minute 

 in describing our mode of setting trees, and the reasons 

 which influence us. 



