TRANSPLANTING. 



41 



tell us that the success of the operation depends 

 mainly on the quantity of earth removed with the 

 roots. They also recommend such large trees to 

 be removed in a growing state, because the moisture 

 remaining in the earth adhering to the roots is at 

 once assimilated as food for the tree. But when the 

 earth is cold, and the tree dormant, this moisture 

 surrounding the roots is not absorbed by them, 

 nor can it be. The result is, that it has rather a 

 tendency to rot the roots, more especially those 

 portions which have been injured. There is no 

 doubt that the whole subject of transplantation is 

 a very interesting one, and deserves careful study. 



The process of planting is as follows : — Having 

 chosen the young Peach tree for its clear and 

 polished bark, the proper distance to place the 

 stem from the wall is about six inches. Some say 

 four inches ; but on the authority of the best culti- 

 vators in England, it is stated at six. 



If the tree is to be planted where no other has 

 stood, a hole twice the diameter of the roots when 

 spread out is sufficient. If otherwise, the old 'soil 

 must be removed, and the opening made much 

 wider. A piece of pavement, or a wide flat stone 

 is generally placed under the tree to prevent the 

 roots striking downwards. The old monks always 

 did this, and famous gardeners they were. Roots 

 grow in tiers ; therefore the lowest tier must be 



