INTRODUCTION. 
Established by Johil 
Morse, in 1847. 
Trees, as well as men, have constitutions. Some men are strong, 
healthy and vigorous, and capable of doing what they would otherwise not be, 
if they had not a vigorous constitution to begin life's work with. It is not pos- 
sible for all men to start life with the blessing of a healthy constitution ; it is 
quite possible to so start all trees and plants if the simple requirements of the 
plant or tree are carefully sought out. 
After many years of practical work and most careful observation we 
are absolutely certain that the chief cause of so many short-lived, sickly and 
unfruil/ul trees is improper plant food in the early life of the tree. 
Long since we have discarded the use of commercial and other fertil- 
izers in starting our trees and plants, as having a most disastrous effect on 
the long life, hardihood and fruitfuluess of trees. The direct result is to pro- 
duce soft wood in the early life of a plant, which the rigor of an ordinary win- 
ter will affect, and so reduce the vitality of the tree, leaving it with a weak- 
ened constitution at an early age, from which it never fully recovers. 
A tree of weak constitution, from any cause whatever, is much more sub- 
ject to attack from insect pests than a tree constitutionally strong. 
There is nothing that will so shock a tree as to stimulate it to an un- 
natural, growth, up to the time of transplanting, and then remove it to 
a soil, the fertility of which is much weaker, causing the tree or plant to prac- 
tically stand still a year or more, by which it receives a shock, from which it is 
difficult to recover. 
After transplanting to the orchard where the tree is to remain, we ad- 
vise fertihzers of such a character as the soil and tree may require, and applied 
at such times as not to produce growth late in the season, as the wood should 
be well ripened and hardened before going into winter. 
Our stocks, upon which our different varieties are worked, are selected 
with the greatest care, looking to the hardiness and longevity of the tree. 
tCrees Mell Bre& are Constitutionally Strong. 
Such stock we offer. We promise to save you disappointment if you will 
buy stock of a sturdy character, started primarily with a view to long life and 
hardiness, consequently more likely to be productive. 
You say no argument in this? Do not be too sure. Listen while men talk 
who are acknowledged authority. 
,,, - „ From PROF. L. H. BAILEY, Cornell University, Ithaca, N. V. 
Dear Sirs: I am fully convinced that the initial vigor of a tree has much to do with 
Its subsequent behavior. I am glad to see you emphasiiing the importance of a Kood 
constitution in trees. 
Ibints on transplanting, etc. 
Preparation of the soil.— Prepare a rich, deep bed of mellow soil 
and have the land sufficiently drained to relieve the roots from standing water' 
To insure a fine growth, land should be in as good condition as is required for 
a crop of wheat, corn or potatoes. 
Planting.— Make .he holes large enough to admit the roots without any 
cramping or bending, and deep enough to bring the tree to its natural depth 
The fine surface soil should be used in covering the roots, and this should be 
