FRUIT TREES. Chap. II. 43 



not running, since almond trees sometimes bloom as early as the beginning of February, 

 & apricot trees follow soon afterwards. Generally, it's more advantageous to plant in 

 autumn than it is toward spring. That's when the healthier and more suitable soil for this 

 kind of work is found. Winter rains tamp down the soil & make it adhere it to the roots, 

 which doesn't allow for work during that season. From the moment of the first run of sap 

 the tree is completely prepared to thrive & ready to prove that it can take root again & 

 succeed. 



For transplanting, dull, overcast, slightly damp, calm & mild weather is preferable 

 to bright sunshine, dry heat, & especially frost. The roots thus are less exposed to the 

 effects of cold and to drying out. 



Roots must be uncovered carefully without damaging them. They should be freed 

 & pulled up with the same care, so that they can be lifted as lengthy & as intact as 

 possible & their root system preserved. The tree is pulled on & uprooted when it only 

 offers moderate resistance, and there no longer is any large root that holds it down. If the 

 trees in the nursery have been spaced apart as I've indicated, there will be enough room & 

 latitude to lift them properly. They are brought to their destination without shaking loose 

 the earth that ordinarily adheres to the root system. If the trees are not to be transported 

 right away, it's very beneficial to cover the roots with hay or with damp straw. 



Before putting the tree in its permanent location, the roots are dressed, i.e. their 

 ends & root tips trimmed, as long as they're not damaged or dried out. Otherwise they 

 have to be cut off. Roots that have been bent, stripped, broken, or damaged, are cut off 

 behind the injured spot. The cut must be clean, slanted, or in an elongated fork, with its 

 surface against the ground when the tree is in place. 



