44 TRANSPLANTIXG. 



small holes in the cc mmon mode, which uniformly showed the trees 

 of the first, larger after five years, than those of the last after twelve. 



No fruit tree should be planted in a hole of less size than 

 three feet square, and eighteen inches to two feet deep. To this 

 size and depth the soil should be removed and well pulverized, 

 and it should if necessary be properly enriched by the applica- 

 tion of manure, which must be thoroughly mixed with the whole 

 mass of prepared soil by repeated turnings with the spade. 

 This preparation will answer, but the most skilful cultivators 

 among us make their spaces four or five feet in diameter, or 

 three times the size of the roots, and it is incredible how much 

 the luxuriance and vigour of growth, even in a poor soil, is pro- 

 moted by this. No after mending of the soil, or top dressings 

 applied to the surface, can, in a climate of dry summers like ours, 

 equal the effects of this early and deep loosening and enriching 

 the soil. Its effects on the growth and health of the tree are 

 permanent, and the little expense and care necessary in this 

 preparation is a source of early and constant pleasure to the 

 planter. This preparation may be made just before the tree is 

 planted, but in heavy soils it is much better to do it several 

 months previously ; and no shallow ploughing of the soil can 

 obviate the necessity and advantages of the practice, where 

 healthy, vigorous orchards or fruit gardens are desired. 



The whole art of transplanting, after this, consists in placing 

 the roots as they were before, or in the most favourable position 

 for growth. Begin by filling the hole with prepared soil, 

 w^ithin as many inches of the top as will allow the tree to stand 

 exactly as deep as it previously stood. With the spade, shape 

 the soil for the roots in the form of a little hillock on which to 

 place the roots — and not, as is* commonly done, in the form of a 

 hollow ; the roots will then extend in their natural position, not 

 being forced to turn up at the ends. Next examine the roots, 

 and cut off all wounded parts, paring the wound smooth. Hold 

 the tree upright on its little mound in the hole of prepared soil ; 

 extend the roots, and cover them carefully with the remaining pul- 

 verized soil. As much of the success of transplanting depends 

 on bringing the soil in contact with every fibre, so as to leave 

 no hollows to cause the decay of the roots, not only must this be 

 secured by patiently filling-in all cavities among the roots, but 

 when the trees are not quite small, it is customary to pour in a 

 pail of water when the roots are nearly all covered with soil. 

 This carries the liquid mould to every hidden part. After the 

 water has settled away, fill up the hole, pressing the earth gently 

 about the tree with the foot, but avoiding the common practice 

 of shaking it up and down by the stem. In windy situations it 

 will be necessary to place a stake by the side of each tree to 

 hold it upright, until it shall have taken firm root in the soil, but 

 it is not needful in ordinary cases. 



