CATALOGUE OF FBI/ITS. 



HINTS ON TRANSPLANTINa, &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," or 

 some other treatise on tree cuUure, that will furnish him with full and reliable instruc- 

 tions 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 

 d)'i/, either natural 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 unnecessary ; but on lands ex- 

 hausted 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 OP THE ^TREES.— In regard to this important 

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

 trees are planted 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 de- 

 ranged. This must be restored by a proper pruning, adapted to the size, form and con- 

 dition of the tree, as follows : 



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

 seven 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 remaining buds to 

 push with vigor. Cut off smoothl}^ all bruised or broken roots up to the sound wood. 

 In 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 years' shoots to three or four buds at their base, 

 and where the branches are very numerous some may be cut out entirely. 



Dwarf or Pyramidal Trees, on the Quince Stock, if of two or three years' 

 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 branches must be cut 

 into the form of a pyramid by shortening the lower ones, say one-half, those above them 

 shorter, and the upper ones around the leading shoots 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. 



Yearling Trees upon Quince Stock Intended for Pyramids. — Some of these 

 may have a few side branches, the smallest of which should be cut clean away, reserving 

 only the strongest and the best placed. In other respects they should be pruned as 

 directed for trees of two years' growth. Those having no side branches should be cut 

 back so far as to insure the production of a tier of branches within twelve inches of the 

 ground. A strong yearling, four to six feet, may be cut back about half, and the weaker 

 ones more than that. It is better to cut too low than not low enough, for if the first tier 

 of branches be not low enough the pyramidal form cannot afterwards be perfected. 



