62 THE OLIVE 



are two methods of treatment each having its advocates. One is to 

 cut off all branches in order that the strength of the tree may go 

 entirely to root making, and the other to leave the five six or 

 seven branches forming the head. 



In the first instance the new branches are apt to put out half 

 way up the stem, when the plant has to be cut down to them, and 

 the result is that the head is formed too low. On the other hand 

 in transplanting with the head formed, these branches are apt to 

 suffer at first from lack of nourishment, and so check the growth. 

 The good of the tree would be consulted by taking off all branches, 

 but if the head can be left on, fruiting will be anticipated by about 

 two years. In truth the good features of each method may be 

 adopted by leaving the head on, but clipping the branches very 

 short. The tree may also be compelled to branch at the desired 

 height by bending down the little branches forming the head, and 

 tying them to the trunk during the two years proceeding its re- 

 moval from the nursery. This will cause the sap to accumulate 

 there, and when the tree is deprived of all its branches at the time 

 of transplanting to a permanent position, the new branches will 

 come out there in preference to any other part of the tree. But 

 the tree is the more vigorous as the trunk is kept short. Inset- 

 ting out in permanent position in orchard if on level land plant, from 

 two to four inches deeper than in nursery, and if on a hillside from 

 four to eight inches. A layer of chaff or cut straw placed about 

 the tree just before filling up the hole, will serve to retain the 

 moisture in the soil. In removing trees from the nursery to final 

 locality, mark the south side so that they may be replanted in the 

 same position. If this is not done the tree often remains stationary 

 for a long time. Some writers have advocated reversing the 

 former j)Osition with the idea of equalizing the growth, but this 

 appears to simply stop the onward march of the tree where it 

 might be gaining all the time; or were any equalization of growth 

 necessary it could be accomplished in the pruning. The young 



