202 The Principles of Fruit-growing 



first row to be planted. Directly over the place for the first tree or 

 vine, wrap a small wire two or three times and twist the ends tightly, 

 so it cannot slip. Measure along the wire to the next place and fasten 

 another wire coil, and so on to the end. If these httle coils were 

 soldered fast they could not move. A little piece of bright cloth 

 should be tied over them, that the places may be easily seen. Now, 

 dig the holes and plant the first row while the wire is in place. Then 

 move the wire and stakes to the second row and stretch as before, 

 being very careful to have the first mark exactly where the first tree 

 should be. Proceed to dig and plant as before. Move the wire to 

 the third row, and so on throughout. This obviates all necessity 

 for marking off upon the ground, except the distances between the 

 rows and a starting-point on each row." 



Staking methods. — There are so many methods of staking out an 

 orchard, that it will interest the reader if one of the best of them is 

 described. The Yeomans plan is as foUows: "In connection with 

 the accompanying diagram, is explained an easy, simple and accurate 

 way of marking out the ground and planting the trees without put- 

 ting any stakes where trees are to be planted or removing any while 

 planting. The stakes not only show where to dig the holes, but when 

 the planting is to be done the same stakes indicate the precise place 

 where the trees are to placed, always sighting only by the stakes in 

 setting, without any regard to the trees planted. Thus aU the stakes 

 will be standing when the last tree is planted, showing the accuracy 

 of the work done. 



"The outside line of the diagram (Fig. 51) represents the 

 ground to be planted; the dots are stakes, by means of which the 

 location of each tree can readily be found without any measure- 

 ments; but none of them stands where trees are to be planted. The 

 ground being properly prepared for one hundred trees, provide sixty 

 lath as very suitable stakes — hght, straight and of proper length — 

 lay them on the ground or a board, and whitewash on each side about 

 a foot or more at one end, by which they can readily be seen at a 

 distance and distinguished from any other stake or object. Let two 

 men with a tape-Kne start at the comer of the ground at D, and 

 measure 26 feet along the east side to 1 and then set a stake; thence 

 measure 40 feet to 2, setting a stake, and continue to 10, putting a 

 stake every 40 feet to C, setting all stakes as perpendicularly as 

 possible. 



