THE OLIVE IN ITALY. 649 



As to the length of time to keep them in the reservoir, several emi- 

 nent agriculturists differ in their opinion, to wit : some propose five 

 years, while others advocate fourteen. Practical observations, how- 

 ever, have proved that allowing plauts five years in the reservoir, they 

 can never acquire sufficient roots to be transplanted for final stay. Ou 

 the other hand, if left for fourteen years, on the seventh or eighth year 

 one half of them, the odd ones, are to be transferred in another reser- 

 voir, as the one would not be large enough to contain all the young 

 plants located therein at a distance of 2 feet apart as above stated. It 

 is therefore advisable, in Professor Alvi's practical experience, that the 

 proper time of allowing young plants in the reservoir is from seven to 

 eight years, counting the time of the seed plot. 



For the first two years, keep the young plants clear of little lateral 

 branches, but leave the leaves remaining on the arm pits. Fasten the 

 little stocks on sticks placed alongside of them "in order to protect 

 them from strong wind or stormy weather. Water the reservoirin case 

 of long drought and fence it to prevent animalsfrom destroying it, and 

 always keep the ground clear of grass. 



From the second to the fifth year treat the .plants as above stated ; 

 only on the fourth year change the sticks for larger ones in order to 

 better sustain the growing plants. On the sixth year they are in a 

 state of designating the shape you want them to grow. 



The height of the trunks principally varies according to the situation 

 of the ground wherein the plants are to be located for final stay. If 

 the soil is fertile and fresh, they (trunks) can be left at about 6 feet high 

 from the base, and if it is arid at about 4 feet. The reason for this is, 

 that the shorter the plant the more vigorous they grow. And as Col- 

 umella said on this subject : "Lactius enim frondat. Exiguus admodum 

 supra scrobum emineatP 



Having thus fixed the height of the trunks all the young branches 

 grown under them are to be taken off, and to the main sprout growing 

 high must be done the same, and by leaving on its upper end about from 

 five to eight branches well distributed around the same, in order to 

 form the head of the trees. 



Another method in fixing the height of them is by cutting all the 

 branches of the plant to the fixed point of height, in order to permit its 

 roots to develop and to incorporate themselves in the soil before the 

 plant requires nourishment, and at the same time sprouts will grow to 

 the desired height. 



Transplanting for final stay. — We have learned up to this the sort of 

 land and the exposition better adapted for the olive culture, as well as 

 the several methods of propagation and the treatment to be given young 

 trees in the reservoir. I now deem it proper to treat about the system 

 of removing them therefrom, and the distance apart to be left between 

 them. Further, I will proceed with pruning, and of the several insect 

 pests and diseases afflicting the precious Minerva's plant. 



