384 
0)1 the Cultivation of Orcliards, and 
S from the ground, or about two or three years' old, the head should 
j be removed, and the stock grafted about 10 inches from the sur- 
face ; and at the same time every sprig and bud of the stock 
should be carefully taken off, in order that the sap may be more 
iigorously determined tow ards the graft. The mode of grafting 
will be noted presently. 
When the graft has grown about 2 feet in height, the plants 
should be removed or planted out in land similarly prepared, in 
rows 4 feet asunder, with an equal interval between each plant, 
where they are to remain until finally removed to the orchard. 
Before the plants are removed from the grafting-site, no side- 
shoots should be cut ofF, except those hclow the graft. On their 
removal to open rows, any overgrown branch may be shortened, 
and two or three of the lowest removed close to the stem. After 
this the stronger side-shoots only should be moderately shortened, 
in order to encourage the upward growth until a good head is 
formed about 6 or 7 feet from the ground. The side-shoots may 
then be removed close to the stem in two successive years, while 
the head is left to its unrestricted growth. It is a very common 
and bad practice to cut off all the side-shoots eai-ly, leaving only 
two or three twigs at the top, by which means the plant is very 
much checked in its growth, and instead of producing a firm and 
tapering stem, it becomes almost cylindrical, and tortuous instead 
of upright. Those who treat plants in this way are undoubtedly 
ignorant of the true nature of their growth, and the important 
office of leaves ; and, therefore, in attempting to assist Nature in 
promoting the growth of the head, most injuriously interfere with 
her operations. If such persons had equal facility of witnessing 
the growth of the roots, they would no doubt think it their duty 
to cut part of them away, with a view of promoting the growth of 
the stem — at least such a proceeding would be not less absurd. 
Every leaf is a feeder of the plant, no less than every rootlet; and 
no interference with the progress of the plant should be allowed, 
except for the purpose of preventing any side-branch becoming a 
rival to the head. When, however, the plant has attained the re- 
quired height of stem, and the head has pushed forward strong 
shoots above that height, the whole of those on the stem may be 
finally cut away as before directed, the stem having by this lime 
gained sufficient substance and strength to preserve its erect posi- 
tion, and to support the head, 
j • Apple-trees are generally fit for planting out in the orchard 
at about seven years of age, at which time, if they have been well 
treated in the nursery, they will be about an inch and a half in 
diameter at the middle of the stem. The particular age, however, 
at which trees should be removed to their final destination, after 
they have formed a good head, - is not very important, provided 
