HINTS ON TRANSPLANTING, &c. 



W'c 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 "Tins Fruit (JabdrO or 

 some other treatise on Tree Culture, that will furnish him with full and reliable instruc- 

 tions on all the routine of management. Transplanting is to he considered under the 

 following heads: 



1st. THE PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. — For Fruit Trees the soil should be drjf, 

 either naturally, 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 plotting, at tewrt, beforehand, using the subsoil plow after the common one, at the 

 second plowing. On new, fresh lands, manuring will be unnecessary; but on Innds 

 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, or corn, or potatoes. 



2d. THE PREPARATION OF THE T&KBS.-In regard to this important opera- 

 tion. there are more fatal errors committed than on any other. As a general thing, trees 

 are placed in the ground precisely as they are sent from the Nursery. In removing a 

 tree, no matter how carefully it maybe done, a portion of the roots are broken and 

 destroyed, and consequently the balance that existed in the structure of tho tree is de- 

 ranged. This must be restored by a proper pruning, adapted to the size, form and condi 

 tion of the tree as follows : 



Standard Orchard Trees.— These, as sent from the Nursery, vary from five to eight 

 feet in height, with naked stems or trunks, and a number of branches at the top forming 

 a head. These branches should be all cut back to within three or four buds of their base"! 

 I bis lessens the demand upon tho roots, and enables the remaining buds to push with 

 vigor. In the case of older trees of extra size, the pruning must be in proportion ; as a 

 general thing, it will be safe to shorten all the previous year's shoots to three or four 

 buds at their base, and where the branches are very numerous, some may be cut out 

 entirely. 



Pyramidal Trees— If of two or three years' growth, with a number of sido branches 

 will require to be pruned with a two-fold object in view, viz: The growth of tho 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 shoot 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 expo- 

 sure, the pruning must be closer than if in good order. 



Dwarf Standard Trees and Dwarf Bushes— Must be pruned as recommended for 

 standards, aiming at producing a round, well-proportioned head, with the main branches 

 regularly distributed and far enough apart to admit air freely to all parts. 



