FRUIT PLANTATIONS AND THEIR CARE 33 



many cases, never be overcome by subsequent good 

 care. In discussing this question Prof. V. H. Davis 

 of Ohio State University gives his experience as 

 follows : " In my orchard of some 8,000 apple trees 

 and a few hundred each of pear, plum, cherry, and 

 peach, a plan somewhat as follows was pursued 

 in selecting apple, pear, cherry, and plum stock. 



" I took trees not more than two years old from 

 bud or graft. In my judgment trees of this age 

 will stand transplanting better than older ones, and 

 in the end will make better trees. Peach trees are 

 large" enough at one year and should never be older. 

 Trees were ordered in the fall for spring shipment, 

 at which season, in my case, they were set out. I 

 bought from the large nurseries that grow their own 

 stock and deliver direct from their own grounds. 

 The small nursery in the locality of the orchard 

 is usually preferable for small quantities of plants, 

 but is not available for large orders. I never buy 

 from agents, because I object to paying their com- 

 mission. The nurseryman who is largely a dealer 

 is also avoided, for every time trees are handled 

 the chance of mixing varieties increases and it be- 

 comes more difficult to fix responsibility in case of 

 misrepresentation. 



" Nurserymen are responding to the popular de- 

 mand for low-headed trees, but trees are not low 

 enough yet. The first branches should be not more 

 than 30 inches from the ground and less would 

 usually be preferable. Shipments should be made 

 as early in the spring as weather conditions will 

 permit, and upon arrival the trees should be un- 

 packed and ' heeled ' at once. Transplanting should 

 be done as early as the soil will work readily. 



