Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-05-04

state of the atmosphere at the time, and
abundant rains after the experiment was per-
formed. Transplanting can be done with
safety in the spring as soon as the frost is en-
tirely out Of the ground, and often as late as
the last of May, Or the first of June.
Taking up the tree is an important part of
the operation. A transpanter should not
forget that tree is an organized and living
body, and that it is by the delicate and tender
portion of the roots, that the trees take up
their food and that the chance of complete
success islessened by every one Of these points
that are bruised or destroyed.
If we could remove trees without injuring
any Of the roots, no check in the growth of
the tree would be perceived. But that is next
to impossible.
Preparing the places is often the great
stumbling block of inexperienced persons, in
transplanting.
In this country, where the sun and climate
are so favorable, where pruning and training
are so little necessary,we may safely say that
the great requisite to success, in the ordinary
culture of fruit trees, is proper preparation
of the soil, before the tree is planted.
Whether transplanted tree shall struggle
for year to recover, or grow Moderately at
ter short time, or at once start into vigor-
Gus and luxuriant growth, depends entirely
upou the care and labor the planter is willing
to bestow or the soil prepared for his tree.
!, No fruit tree should be planted in hole Of
less size than three feet in diameter, and from
one to two feet deep. To this size and depth
the soil should be removed and well pulveriz-
ed and if necessary in should be properly en-
riched by the application OF manure, which
should be thoroughly mixed with the mass Of
prepared soil. The most skilful cultivators
) make their spaces four or six feet in diameter
or three times the size of the roots and it is
incredible how much the luxuriance Of growth
even in poor soil, is increased by this. Its
effects on the growth and health of the tree
and the little care and expense necessary in
this preparation, is source of earl y and con.
slant pleasure to the planter.
The great art of transplanting after this
consists in placing the roots as they were be-
fore, or in the most favorable condition fol-
their growth.
Begin by filling the hole with the prepared
soil to within as many inches of the top as
will allow the tree to stand exactly as deer
as it previously stood. With the spade shape
the soil for the roots in the shapeo of hillock
on which to place the roots, they will then ex
tend in their natural position, not being fore
ed to hem up at the ends. Next examine the
roots, and cut off all wounded parts, pairing
the wound smooth. Hold the tree upright
on the soil prepared for the purpose, extent
the roots, and carefully cover them with thu
remaining pulverized soil, be careful and have
.. the soil come in contact with all the roots
In setting large trees it is customary to poul
: on pail of water when the roots are near
ly all covered. This carries the liquid mole
to nearly all parts of the roots, after the wa
!, ter is settled away, fill up the hole CAREFUL.
: pressing the earth about the roots with tn
u foot.
In windy situations, stake is often nee
! essary to keep the tree in an upright position
= After the tree is set, cover the trunk wit
a handful of straw, which protects it fron
the powerful effects of the sun.
= Cover the ground for a few feet aroun'
= =, the tree, or stir the earth often, which vii
= protect it from being injured by dry weather
and beautiful, healthy trees will be the plant
er's reward. LEWIS H. SPEAR.
Braintree, w., 1854