STARTING THE ORCHARD 23 



propagation have their advantages and disadvan- 

 tages in the hands of a nurseryman. Some are more 

 economical for him because they give quicker or surer 

 results, or because they are less expensive. But for 

 the fruit grower there is absolutely no advantage of 

 one method over another. Grafted trees will live as 

 long and thrive as well as budded trees, and those 

 grown on piece-roots are just as good as those grown 

 on whole-roots. It is still a question of getting sound, 

 thrifty trees. That is the only point of interest to the 

 orchardist. Such a great amount of testimony has 

 been collected in recent years on this point that the 

 truth may be stated with considerable positiveness. 



At what age should a tree be planted ? Some plant- 

 ers prefer one-year-old stock, and when it is large 

 and well grown it is almost, or quite as good, as two- 

 year-old stock. For the most part, however, two- 

 year-old stock is to be reconmiended for apples. 

 Anything older than two years is strictly undesirable. 



FALL vs. SPRING PLANTING 



The question is often asked as to wdiethcr fall or 

 spring planting is to be preferred. The answer is 

 that there is not much choice and that sometimes 

 one season will prove more favorable, while at other 

 times the other season is better. There are certain 

 general advantages in fall planting. There is more 

 time for the work then than during the spring rush ; 

 it is easier to buy nursery stock and get the varieties 

 of one's selection ; the trees if properly planted in 

 good soil will make some root growth and will be- 

 come, to a considerable degree, established before the 



