CHAPTER IV 



SELECTION OF THE TREES 



The question of just what is best for the grower as regards 

 trees is always very perplexing. One man will argue that the best 

 trees are those which are home-raised and home-grafted. Another 

 will combat this statement with equal force, saying that the nursery 

 trees are by far the best, as they are the product of skilled men. 

 However, it is not so important who grows the trees as whether 

 the trees are first-class stock ? 



First-class stock. Now, just what is meant by first-class stock? 

 The general conception of a first-class tree is one that has been 

 well grown, generally being large for its age, with smooth bark, 

 straight trunk, and with a well-formed, thrifty, stocky head. To 

 this should be added that the tree should be insect and disease 

 free and have the characteristic of the particular variety. 



Taking up each of these essential factors in the order given, it 

 is possible to obtain a better understanding of the requirements 

 of a tree as regards its classification as first-class or not. 



A well-grown tree is one that has had a normal amount of room, 

 or lack of too close competition with its neighbor, so that its de- 

 velopment aboveground has not been stunted by lack of sunlight. 

 Below ground there has been enough space in the thoroughly 

 prepared soil, and enough food contained in the soil, so that a 

 thrifty, vigorous collection of roots has been developed. 



Oftentimes in the hands of nurserymen, where nursery stock 

 follows nursery stock, the soil runs out so quickly that it is not 

 possible to grow first-class stock after a few years owing to the 

 poor physical condition of the soil and the lack of proper food in 

 it. Again, some nurserymen have a tendency to plant the stock 

 too closely, and the competition between individual plants is so 

 great that the stock develops into a very tall, spindly tree, which, 

 as a rule, is not the kind that should be considered as included 

 under the heading "first-class stock." 



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