MR. 0. LEE ON LIFTING! FRUIT-TREES. 



93 



I find apples on paradise-sfcocks bear well ; but they are 

 difficult to keep upright if lifted when the trees get large, from 

 ^he extreme smallness of the roots. 



I will, in conclusion, state a few particulars in which my method 

 >f tree-lifting differs from Mr. Eivers's, yet not so much in the 

 mode of operation as in the results. Mr. Eivers's plan is intended 

 for small gardens where a large variety may be grown in a small 

 space, mine for those of trees of any dimensions, however large ; 

 Mr. Eivers's partly as a source of amusement, mine more as a 

 source of profit ; Mr. Eivers's only for the fruit-garden, mine may 

 be applied to ornamental trees and shrubs, previous to their re- 

 moval by waiting two years, and with almost the certainty of success. 

 How much has been written about the removal of large hollies, 

 and other large trees and shrubs, both as to manner and the par- 

 ticular time, too ; and what a cumbrous affair it has been in re- 

 moving many cwts. and sometimes tons of soil in the operation, 

 and then, after all, a frequent risk as to their growing ; whereas, 

 in this way, there is no occasion to remove any larger proportion 

 of soil than in the case of a tree or shrub 2 feet high. In this 

 way they are almost certain to grow, at least I have only lost one 

 out of many hundreds, and that was more through carelessness 

 than default in the method. 



AVhat valuable trees are, after many years growth, found to be 

 in the wrong place ; what a desire that they should occupy a more 

 conspicuous or a more favourable place ; but what a risk in their 

 removal! Consequently, they are allowed to remain where they are, 

 rather than run the risk of sacrificing them ; but by treating them 

 as I have mentioned in reference to large trees, not previously 

 lifted, there is great prospect of success. 



But after all I have said, and however much my method differs 

 from Mr. Eivers's, either in its application or its object, I must 

 again say I am indebted entirely to him for it. My attempts to 

 apply his method to rather large trees, proved suggestive of that 

 which I now recommend. 



I am a market gardener and very fond of fruit-growing, and of 

 course want to get something by it (that is, make it pay) , and I 

 find that my attention to lifting, as I have described, answers 

 admirably, both as to quantity and quality. I beg to refer you to 

 'The Journal of Horticulture/ vol. iii. p. 635, and ' The Florist 

 and Pomologist,' as also to a few remarks in the " Eeport of the 

 International Show" in the 1 Journal of Horticulture ' ; but both 

 the quantity and quality, by careful attention to thinning, are 



