AND ITS DISEASE. 41 



for the orchard, there are three very important 

 matters to be observed, and in which there is as 

 much close attention required as at any time in the- 

 growth and culture of the tree : First, the protec- 

 tion of the roots from the time of lifting the tree 

 in the nursery; second, the trimming before plant- 

 ing ; third, planting properly. By the observance 

 of the following directions at least a year's growth 

 may be saved to the expectant fruit grower a 

 highly important item in the anticipation of an 

 early return for the labor and capital invested in 

 the new enterprise : 



First, the roots of the trees from the time they 

 are lifted at the nursery until planted in the ground, 

 should not be permitted to dry ; if transported to 

 a distance, they should be first packed in damp 

 moss, or other material, to keep them damp, and at 

 once shipped with despatch, and on reaching their 

 destination be examined, and if the roots appear 

 dry, they should not be planted until they have 

 been restored by immersion in water from twelve- 

 to fourteen hours before planting. If found in 

 good condition in the box, plant them as they are 

 unpacked, and before the roots become dry by ex- 

 posure. The soaking of the roots in water will 

 restore the small fibres, and the trees, if the- 

 weather and soil are favorable, will commence 

 growth at once. It is, I believe, a pretty fair cal- 

 culation to make, to estimate about one-fourth 

 of the stock taken from the nursery as failing for- 



