270 GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 



the next layer of roots, and so on until all are covered. Then fill the hole 

 with the remaining soil, making it firm as it is thrown in, so that when the 

 work is finished the tree may be thoroughly safe. It is a good plan to 

 work the soil after covering each layer of roots, and at the same time 

 to gently shake the tree. This materially helps to settle the soil around 

 the roots ; it is then unnecessary to tread the former so hard. If the 

 trees planted are trained as tall standards, each will need the support of 

 a stout stake driven into the ground a few inches away from its base. 

 Tarred string is good material with which to tie the tree to the stake, or 

 thick wire may be used. A piece of leather, however, must be first 

 fastened to the stem to prevent injury from the string. Firmly fix 

 the stake driven into the ground, so that the tree will not be shaken 

 about by rough winds. It is an excellent practice to mulch (that is, 

 to cover with manure) the surface of the ground around newly planted 

 fruit trees, for the roots are then kept warm during winter, moist in 

 summer, and also at the same time derive benefit from the stimulating 

 effects of the manure. When fruit trees are planted on grass land, 

 never allow the grass to grow within three feet all around the base of 

 the stem, A surprising difference is noticeable in the vigour of trees so 

 treated and those uncared for in this respect. 



Forms of Apple Trees. Apple trees are to be obtained in several 

 different forms, the best of which are those known as standards, half- 

 standards, bush, pyramid, cordon, and espaliers. 



Standard Trees have a clear stem of several feet from the ground 

 before branches are formed. This form is particularly suitable for plant- 

 ing in grass land upon which cattle are turned, for there is then plenty 

 of room for the latter to graze underneath the branches. Another 

 advantage is, that the smaller fruit trees, such as Currants, Gooseberries, 

 &c., may be cultivated amongst them. The best stock upon which to 

 graft Standard Apple trees is the Crab. The roots of this travel a long 

 distance, are not very fastidious as to soil, and are therefore well fitted 

 for comparately untilled ground. Standards may be planted at a 

 distance of twenty-four feet apart, except some of the stronger growing 

 varieties which require a larger amount of space. If possible, plant 

 them twice as thickly as they ultimately will be allowed to remain, that 

 is, at twelve feet apart, and in the course of fifteen or twenty years when 

 they have become crowded remove every alternate one. 



Bush Trees. The Bush, or open Dwarf, is a popular method of 

 training the Apple tree, and the most suitable one for small gardens. 

 The branches originate within a few inches of the ground, and after the 

 base of the tree is formed, grow perpendicularly. Many trees may, 

 therefore, be grown in a small space. The stock upon which these are 

 grafted is the Paradise ; the roots of this remain near the surface, and 

 Apple trees grafted upon it are, as a rule, very productive. 



Pyramid Trees. Pyramid trees are also grafted upon the Paradise 

 stock. When symmetrically trained they are very beautiful, though per- 

 haps hardly so productive as Bush trees, and they occupy more space. 

 From the central upright stem, branches proceed in a horizontal 

 direction. 



