THE FRTJIT-GAEDElf. 



43 



mixed with very rotten manure next thrown in, and the tree itself plant- 

 ed in fine loam. It should stand at the same depth as in the nursery. 



The annexed cut will show the appearance of a tree with its roots 

 entire, and the nearer an approach is made to it in the taking up and 

 setting, the better the operation is performed. 



Time to Transplant. — As a general rule the autumn is the best time, 

 though if done in spring, care should be taken to mulch thoroughly the 

 transplanted trees. 



Pruning. — Mr. Barry judiciously remarks : " It is not only necessary 

 to know what and why, but also how to prune. Theory is only useful 

 as it serves to guide in practice. 



" The great point to be observed in making incisions on the stems and 

 branches of trees, is to provide for the speedy and perfect healing of the 

 wounds or cut surfaces. In removing a portion of a branch or stem, if 

 we cut between two joints, and thus leave a portion of wood above the 



bud intended to be cut to, 

 as in fig. l,this wood dies, 

 and we have the trouble 

 of another pruning to re- 

 move it. If we cut too 

 close to the bud, and thus 

 remove a portion of the 

 wood with which it is con- 

 nected, as in fig. 2, the bud 

 will either die or disap- 

 point us by producing a 

 very feeble growth. The 

 rig. 1, cutting too far nbove the bud. Fig. 2 cutting too proper Way is to take the 

 close. Fig. 3, the out as it should be. Fig. 4, removal of f ^ , •', 

 branches, the cross line indicating the proper placo for the branch tO be operated on 



""'■ in the left hand, place the 



edge of the knife on it, opposite the lower part of the bud to be cut 

 to, and then make a firm, quick, smooth draw-cut, sloping upward, so 

 that the knife will come out on a level with the point of the bud, as in 

 fig. 3. In soft-wooded, pithy trees, liko the grape-vine, for example, half 

 an inch of wood ought to be left above the bud. The cut should also 

 be made, as much as possible, on the lower side of the branch, to prevent 

 rain fiom lodging in the center. The position of the bud cut to, is also 

 worthy of consideration in pruning, to produce or modify certain forms. 

 "When we wish the new shoot of a lateral branch to take as much as 

 possible an upright direction, we prune to a bud on the inside ; and if 

 we wish it to spread, we choose one on the outside. In the annual sup- 

 pression, or cutting back young trees, to form a stem or side-branches, 

 the bud selected to form the leader is chosen on opposite sides every 

 successive year, in order to maintain the growth in a straight line. If 

 cut every year to a bud on the same side, it would, in a few seasons, 

 show an inclination to that side injurious to the symmetry of the tree." 

 The season for pruning is generally at the end of the first growth in 

 July or August, or late in autumn or winter, but not in the spring. 

 Spring pruning is discountenanced by all the best authorities on fruit- 

 culture. Lai^e branches when cut should receive a coat of shellac dis- 



