Fruit Trees in Pots the Year 'Round 223 



pot fruits should be examined, and where a trifle 

 larger pot is required, it should be given. The 

 larger sizes will probably only need the balls 

 reduced slightly and can then be replaced in the 

 same pot. Reducing the ball must be done 

 with great care, so as not to injure the roots 

 more than is absolutely necessary. Do this as 

 follows : 



First, turn out the ball, then with a pointed 

 stick work out some of the soil from among the 

 roots, round the outside of the ball. Then, after 

 cleaning the inside of the pot, fill in the spaces 

 with a mixture of good fibrous loam, well-rotted 

 manure, a sprinkling of ground bone and lime 

 rubble, working the compost round the sides 

 with a flat piece of wood and making the whole 

 firm with a round stick or tamper. Then water 

 and plunge the pots in the ground as before 

 directed. 



After this operation spray the trees three or 

 four times a day to prevent wilting, and carefully 

 water to encourage new root action. Continue 

 this treatment until the wood is thoroughly ri- 

 pened and the first light frost causes the leaves to 

 fall, when the trees must be stood in rows close 

 together, and the pots covered liberally with 

 leaves to prevent breakage by freezing; of course 

 leaving the tops of the trees exposed. 



