IMPORTERS AND C ROWERS 
BUERRE DE ANJOU PEAR 
Fruit Trees, Small Fruits, Grape-Vines, Strawberries, Ftc. 
D O you know the secret of growing big crops of large, luscious fruit? To be successful you 
must, above all things, start right. Get large, strong, healthy, standard-sized stock. This 
applies to small fruits, just as much as it does to Apple, Cherry, Peach, Pear and Plum 
Trees, etc. Our principal stocks of fruit trees, small fruits, etc., embrace only those varieties 
which have been well proved, and can be recommended as the best now in cultivation. We can- 
not attempt to give complete directions on all points connected with tree planting, but simply 
a few hints on the more important operations. Transplanting to be considered under the fol- 
lowing heads: 
1st. The Preparation of the Soil. For fruit trees soil should be dry, either natural 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. On new, fresh lands, manuring will be 
unnecessary, but on land exhausted by cropping fertilizers must be applied, either by turning 
in heavy crops of clover, or well decomposed manure or compost. To insure a good growth of 
fruit trees, land should be in as good condition as for a crop of wheat, corn or potatoes. 
2nd. The Preparation of the Trees. In regard to this important operation, there are more 
fatal errors committed than in any other. As a general thing trees are planted in the ground 
precisely as they are sent from the nursery. In moving a tree, no matter how carefully it may 
be done, a portion of the roots are broken an l destroyed and consequently the balance that 
existed in the structure of the tree deranged. This must be restored by proper pruning, adapted 
to the size, form and condition of the tree as follows: 
STANDARD ORCHARD TREES. These, as sent from the nursery, vary from 4 to 6 feet in 
height, with naked stems or trunks and a number of branches at the top forming a head. These 
branches should all be cut back to within three or four buds of their base. This lessens the de- 
mand upon the roots, and enables the remaining buds to push with vigor. Cut off smoothly all 
bruised or broken roots up to the sound wood. In 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 entirely. 
3rd. Staking. If trees are tall and much exposed to the wind, a stake should be planted with 
the tree to which it should be tied in such a manner as to avoid chafing. A piece of matting or 
cloth may be put between the tree and the stake. 
4th. Mulching. When the tree is planted, throw around it as far as the roots extend, and 
a foot beyond, five or six inches deep, rough manure or litter. This is particularly necessary in 
dry ground, and is highly advantageous everywhere, both in spring and fall planting. It pre- 
vents the ground from baking or cracking, and maintains an equal temperature about the roots. 
5th. After-Culture. The grass should not be allowed to grow around young trees after be- 
ing planted, as it stunts their growth. The ground should be kept loose and clean around 
them until, at least, they are of bearing size. 
W» will gladly furnish you samples of grass if askecl for. 
