HINTS ON TRANSPLANTING, &c. 



We cannot attempt to give complete directions on all points connected with Tree . 

 Planting, but simply a few hints on the more important operations. Every man who ... 

 purchases a bill of Trees, should put himself in possession of " The Fruit Garden," V 

 or some other treatise on Tree Culture, that will furnish him with full and reliable - 

 instructions on the routine of management. Transplanting is to be considered under 

 the following heads : 



1st. THE PREPARATION OF THE SOIL.— For Fruit Trees the soil should 

 be dry, either naturally, or made so by thorough drainage, as they will not live or 

 thrive on a soil constantly saturated with stagnant moisture. It should also be 

 well prepared by twice plowing, at least, beforehand, using the subsoil plow after the 

 common one, at the second plowing. On new, fresh lands, manuring will be unne- 

 cessary ; but on lands e ihausted by cropping, fertilizers must be applied, either by 

 turning in heavy crops of clover, or well decomposed manure or compost. To ensure 

 a good growth of Fruit Trees, land should be in as good condition as for a crop of 

 wheat, corn, or potatoes. 



2d. THE PREPARATION OF THE TREES.— In regard to this important 

 operation, there are more fatal errors committed than on any other. As a general 

 thing, trees are placed in the ground precisely as they are sent from the Nursery. In 

 removing a tree, no matter how carefully it may be done, a portion of the roots are 

 broken and destroyed, and consequently the balance that existed in the structure of 

 the tree is deranged. This must be restored by a proper pruning, adapted to the 

 si2ie, form and condition of the tree as follows : 



Standard Orchard Trees. — These, as sent from the Nursery, vary from five to 

 eight feet In height, with naked stems or trunks, and a number of branches at the 

 top forming a head. These branches should be all cut back to within three or four 

 buds of their base. This lessens the demand upon the roots, and enables the remain- 

 ing buds to push with vigor. In the case of older trees of extra size, the pruning must 

 be in proportion ; as a general thing, it will be safe to shorten all the previous year's 

 shoots to three or four buds at their base, and where the branches are very numerous, 

 some may be cut out entirely. 



Pyramidal Trees.— If of two or three year's growth, with a number of side 

 branches, will require to be pruned with a two-fold object in view, viz : The growth 

 of the tree and the desired form. The brar ches must be cut into the form of a pyra- 

 mid by shortening the lower ones, say one-half, those above them shorter, and the 

 upper ones around the leading shoot to within two or three buds of their base. The 

 leader itself must be shortened back one-half or more. When trees have been dried 

 or injured much by exposure, the pruning must be closer than if in good order. 



