Selecting Good Trees. 103 
placed—the one indicating a place for a tree—remove the frame, 
being careful in doing so not to move the other two stakes, 
which must be left to be used while setting the tree. After 
the hole is dug and everything ready for setting the tree, again 
place the frame against the two standing stakes, let the tree drop 
into the other corner, which will help support it while the dirt is 
being placed about the roots; and this will bring the tree exactly 
where the stake was originally. If the stakes are properly put 
in line, so will be the trees. 
These setters are described as they are used when the hole 
is dug and the tree set at the same time. Such is the ordinary 
practise in planting. If one wishes to dig the holes beforehand, 
it is necessary to furnish more stakes, as two have to be left 
beside each hole to mark the position of the setter when the 
planting is done. Besides its use in bringing a tree into line, 
the tree-setter enables one to judge of the depth of setting as 
compared with the surface of the surrounding ground. It is 
not easy to determine this with the eye if the hole be a large one. 
Where the measuring wire is used to set the stakes, it is some- 
times stretched across again after the holes are dug, the tags on 
the wire thus indicating the places for the trees of the whole row. 
The trouble with this practise is the bother of having the wire 
in the way while filling and tramping the earth around the roots. 
SELECTING TREES; 
In the purchase of trees it is well to patronize nurserymen 
in your own district, providing they are honest and intelligent 
men, who keep themselves informed as they should about their 
business. The advice of such a local nurseryman is often of 
great value to the newcomer, tor he will know by his experience 
and observation much about the adaptations of fruits and vari- 
eties thereof to the region. If, for any reason, local nurseries 
do not meet your needs, seek some well-established nursery at a 
distance. It is much safer to deal directly with the grower of 
the trees than to patronize traveling agents. Where, however, 
these agents are the accredited representatives of well-known 
establishments, they may save the planter time and trouble by 
taking his order for him. So-called “tree peddlers,” who are 
jobbers in trees and in too many cases send you refuse trees 
which they pick up cheap wherever they can, and label them to 
suit, without respect to truth or honesty, should be resolutely 
avoided, no matter what inducements or blandishments they 
may Offer. 
It is desirable, if possible, to visit the nursery yourself, and 
see the stock which is to be furnished you. The trees should 
have a good healthy look, with clean, bright bark and of: size 
