106 



THE CHERRY. 



gether. It is generally best to plant about eight feet apart, in rows 

 fifteen feet apart. Most of the plants sent out are budded or 

 grafted on tender roots, as they are most easily obtained. These 

 may easily be winter-killed if exposed and cause the death of a 

 tree which might otherwise be perfectly hardy. On this account 

 the roots should be planted from four to six inches deeper than 

 they grew in the nursery, to afford them the protection of the soil. 

 Besides this, when planted deep the scion sends out roots, and 

 when a tree is thus on its own roots its powers of resisting adverse 

 conditions is greatest. 



Cultivation.— The cultivation suggested for the plum applies 

 here. It is important also to mulch the trees when on exceedingly 

 dry soils, but this is not so necessary as in case of the plum, since 

 they do well on much drier land. 



Fig, '1'^.— Cherry tree of good form. 



Pruning.— The cherry needs only enough pruning to keep the 

 tree in shape, and but very little is required to accomplish that. 

 In Russia it is grown in bush form, and when it becomes too old to 

 bear profitably the older parts are cut away and new sprouts take 

 their places. The Important point to remember in connection with 

 this, as well as all stone fruits, is that they should be trained to 

 branch low. 



Insects and Diseases.— The insects and diseases which 

 affect the cherry are about the same as those that injure the plum. 



