SELECTION OF THE TREES 37 



It is not always possible for an amateur to detect whether or 

 not a tree is large for its age, owing to his lack of practical experi- 

 ence. However, experienced men can almost always detect the 

 fact that a tree is above the average as regards its size for its age. 



No hard and fast rules can be laid down for a tree one year 

 from bud or two years from root graft, or some other age. The 

 following may serve as a guide. 



A tree one year from bud should be 3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches tall if well 

 grown. 



A tree two years from bud should be 3 feet 6 inches to 4 feet 6 inches tall if 

 well grown. 



A tree three years from bud should be 4 feet to 6 feet tall if well grown. 



A tree one year from root graft should be 3 feet to 4 feet tall if well grown. 



A tree two years from root graft should be 3 feet 6 inches to 5 feet tall if 

 well grown. 



A tree three years from root graft should be 4 feet to 6 feet tall if well grown. 



Not only should the height of trees be noticed but the diameter of 

 the trunks as well. This diameter of the trunk should be taken 

 six inches above the graft union. 



The following figures for a well-grown, first-class tree will serve 

 as a guide for the inexperienced. 



Diameter 



Tree one year from bud | to \ of an inch 



Tree two years from bud i to | of an inch 



Tree three years from bud | to |- of an inch 



Tree one year from root graft | to 1 of an inch 



Tree two years from root graft \ to | of an inch 



Tree three years from root graft | to f of an inch 



Have you ever noticed the bark of trees — how some trees 

 have bark that appears dark, dry, and dead, generally rough and 

 unthrifty looking, while other trees have smooth, bright bark that 

 almost spells live, healthy, vigorous growth ? 



Many times in grafting, especially budding, careful attention as 

 to the time to cut the stock above the bud is not systematically 

 given, and it is found that the budded growth is forced to grow out 

 quite crooked. Other times mechanical injury, lack of proper sun- 

 light, or some other cause will force the tree to have a very crooked 

 growth of stem and sometimes a crooked top as well. This crooked- 

 ness disqualifies the tree as a first-class stock. 



