ORCHARDS. 101 



the value and utility of abundant manuring on fruit-growing 

 grounds. Our orchards fail and their fruit deteriorates only 

 because of lack of nutrition and skilful treatment. 



3d. Transplanting Trees. — The holes must be broad and 

 deep — three feet at least in diameter, and from one to two feet 

 in depth, varying according to the size of the tree and the 

 roots. The subsoil should be thrown aside, and the upper soil 

 reserved for the bottom of the hole. If the soil removed is 

 poor, or mixed with clay, the hole must be larger and deeper 

 for the admission of foreign loam and compost. The good 

 earth is then to be placed at the bottom of the hole to form a 

 basis for the tree. Carefully trim the top and roots with a 

 knife as far preferable to a saw. Then set the tree into the 

 hole just deep enough to secure the perfect covering of the 

 upper roots ; spread out the small fibrous roots in their 

 natural direction ; and then throw the rich loam and the upper 

 soil on and about the roots, carefully pulverized and pressed 

 in and among the same by the hand and foot. Then add the 

 subsoil, taking care, in finishing the work, to leave the surface 

 sloping towards the trunk of the tree. As to distance or 

 space between the trees, I recommend two rods for apple trees, 

 and one rod for peach and pear trees. 



The practice of placing apple trees and peach trees alter- 

 nately I fully approve, for the reason that the peach tree is 

 short lived, and will ordinarily die out before the apple tree 

 becomes of sufficient size to be incommoded by their pres- 

 ence. 



4th. Proper Pruning. — All harsh and indiscriminate trim- 

 ming and all deep and severe scraping must be avoided. The 

 true principle of pruning consists in so making removals that 

 all the remaining limbs and branches shall be left entirely free 

 and unobstructed in their movements, and that no opening 

 through to the light above be left clear and vacant among the 

 branches. All crotchets and double branches must be reduced, 

 even at the expense of half the limbs. The head of the tree 

 must be early and judiciously formed, well balanced and well 

 stocked for self-support, sufficiently elevated to permit culti- 

 vation and free passing under it. The body should be erect, the 

 branches regularly extended throughout, aud those protruding 



