FRUIT DEPARTMENT 



The 



Preparation 

 of the Soil 



The 



Preparation 

 of the Trees 



HINTS ON TRANSPLANTING, ETC. 



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" (see third page of cover), 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: 



For fruit trees the soil should be dry, 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 exhausted 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. 



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 deranged. 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 

 all be 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 smoothly all bruised or broken roots up to the 

 sound wood. 



Dwarf Trees, 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. 



Yearldjg Trees 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 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. 



Dig holes in the first place large enough to admit the roots of the tree to spread out in their 

 natural position ; then, having the tree pruned as before directed, let one person hold it in an 

 upright position, and the other shovel in the earth, carefully putting the finest and the best from the sur- 

 face in among the roots, filling every interstice, and bringing every root in contact with the soil. When 

 the earth is nearly filled in, a pail of water may be thrown on to settle and wash in the earth around the 

 roots; then fill in the remainder and tread gently with the foot. The use of water is seldom necessary, 

 except in dry weather early in fall or late in spring. Guard against planting too deep; the trees, after the 

 ground settles, should stand in this respect as they did in the nursery. Trees on dwarf stock should stand 

 so that all the stock be under the ground, and no more. In very dry, gravelly ground, the holes should be 

 dug twice the usual size and depth, and filled in with good loamy soil. 



Planting 



