302 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



ON THE PROPER TIME FOR TRANSPLANTING FRUIT 



TREES. 



By Mr. Charles Fischer^ {Monatschrift fur Pomologie.) 



It is nearly certain, from a large number of observations, that 

 the roots of trees take their principal development and growth 

 when the autumn begins the natural arrest of vegetation in the 

 parts of the tree above ground. Mr. Fischer noticed this par- 

 ticularly in various kinds of prune trees. When the first frosts 

 kill the leaves, the sap thickens and ceases to circulate in the 

 parts above ground, but is still fluid, and active in the parts be- 

 low. The roots cannot send it to the tree any longer. 



On these facts, Mr. Fischer has for fifteen years past based his 

 practice in transplanting young fruit trees, from the end of Au- 

 gust, in all September, whenever the leaves have fallen ; if a tree 

 still has fresh leaves on, he lets it stand till they drop off. He 

 has succeeded beyond his hopes. Very few have failed, and all 

 the rest next spring, grow as vigorously as if they had not been 

 transplanted. They must be transplanted carefully, of course, as 

 well as suitably watered well. 



Mr. Schamal has tried another experiment, and that is, cutting 

 off all the leaves down to their petioles or foot stalks, for then the 

 transpiration of the tree is arrested, for tlie leaves are the essen- 

 tial organ of it. A very natural consequence of this is, that the 

 young tree cannot dissipate its sap, which would be a mere loss, 

 for it is necessary to its growth, and on being transplanted, some 

 time elapses before the roots can supply the tree with any sap. 



When tlie petioles begin to drop off, we know that the sap from 

 the roots has begun to rise — then the success of the tree is certain. 

 From a great number of experiments, Mr. Schamal has found 

 that the new growth in such trees is rapid. In about eight days 

 the petioles clearly indicate this ; shortly they lose all adherence 

 to the tree and fall off, or come off on the slightest touch, and the 

 eyes show signs of growth, remarkably. It is best to move the 

 trees in the last of August, or in September, because the days are 

 long and the roots will have time left to take hold before cold 

 weather comes, and they stand winter the better for having taken, 

 and grow better in the ensuing spring. And besides, it is well 



