CHAPTER III. 



HOW TO PROCURE TREES. 



It is more economical to have fruit trees prop- 

 agated in quantity, by those who make it their 

 business, and who have facilities for their work. 

 It is therefore customary for amateurs to supply 

 their wants by purchasing from nurserymen. 

 Where it is jjossible, it is better to select at some 

 local nursery and transfer them, with no expos- 

 ure of the roots and little delay in time, to their 

 future home. Roots that are packed in wet 

 moss and thus protected may be transported 

 long distances without injury. It is possible also 

 to restore roots that have been dried, by soaking 

 in water for a day or two, and by syringing the 

 tops for some time after planting. Yet it is far 

 better to avoid the necessity of such expedients. 

 For the ap]Dle, pear, plum, cherry, and quince, 

 trees two or three years from the bud are to be 

 preferred. Older trees can be moved with a 

 good degree of certainty, and more speedy re- 

 turns in fruit may thus be obtained. But there 

 is less risk in the removal of small trees ; they 



