FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 



77 



of violence imposed on nature and its ill effects will 

 soon be discerned in the tree. 



In the practice of planting, I recommend that the 

 natural position of the root of the tree be examined, 

 the hole dug wider than their circumference, the 

 bottom of it well broken up, the tree placed in the 

 centre, and the bottom tier of roots placed in an ex- 

 tended manner ; then apply some fine earth over 

 them as a covering, being careful that no cavity is 

 left under the bole of the tree ; after this layer of 

 roots is properly placed and covered, tiien prepare 

 to lay the upper tier in their natural expanded posi- 

 tion, being careful not to cramp or bend them, but 

 let their fibres be fully extended ; this done, fill up 

 the hole with well pulverized earth a little above the 

 surface, and rather highest near the stem in order to 

 let off excessive moisture from the roots of the tree; 

 the surface may then be gently trod and the work is 

 done. That the tree should be supported by stakes, 

 and the ground kept in good order, are requisites too 

 well known to require any comment, only that they 

 should be attentively and strictly seen to at all times 

 when needed. 



Art. 5. — On the Pruning and Formation of Fruit 

 Trees. 



To form a tree properly it will require to be 

 pruned and regulated when young, in order to bring 

 it into a proper shape and fruitfulness. Supposing the 

 tree to be two or three years old from the graft or 

 bud, a head must be formed at the intended height 

 by heading it down in the spring to two or three 

 buds or eyes in each shoot that is near the crown 

 when the young shoots begin to grow ; they may be 



