130 THE NUKSERY. 



running up forty or fifty feet of an equal diameter, and 

 without a branch ; and if one such tree were left exposed, 

 by the removal of those around it, the first high wind 

 would blow it down. On the outskirts of this group or 

 thicket, or perhaps completely isolated, in the centre of a 

 field, we see another tree of the same species, branched 

 almost from the ground, and with a diameter at the base 

 twice as great as at half its height, and tapering upward 

 with beautiful regularity, and capable of resisting a hur- 

 ricane. To raise stout, well-proportioned trees, we must 

 give them plenty of room, that they may have the advan- 

 tage of air all around, and not only at the top. 



There is scarcely a nursery to be found in which 

 the trees are not grown too close three or four on the 

 space that one should occupy. There is to be sure great 

 economy in close planting, for five hundred trees can be 

 grown on the space that one should occupy, and with 

 nearly as little labor; but it would really be better for 

 people to pay twice or three times as much for their trees 

 if grown so far apart that the air and light would have 

 free access to them in all parts, and give them stout, well- 

 proportioned forms. A reform in this respect is much 

 needed, but it cannot be expected until purchasers become 

 discriminating and intelligent on the subject. 



The distance at which stocks should be planted in the 

 nursery rows is governed entirely by circumstances. If 

 it be intended to use a cultivator between the rows, they 

 should not be less than three and a half feet apart. If 

 spade and hoe culture be intended, two and a half to 

 three feet will be sufficient. Where the trees are to be 

 removed at the age of one year, one foot apart in the rows 

 is sufficient ; but if they are to remain until two, three or 

 four years they should be eighteen inches to two feet. If 

 removed at two years, eighteen inches is enough ; but 

 where standards remain three t>r four years, until they 



