Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1859-05-06
For the Free Press.
MING TREES.

~ INV
MsSsrs. Editors:
A. this is the appropriate season
for the transp'anting Of fruit trees and having,
later than yesterday, been engaged in that drcc-
ton, it occurs to me, that perhaps throw
out some hints on the manner of performing that
duty that may be Of some benefit to others having
the same work to do.
Wishing to set out some fifty trees in sandy
sol, and having had no experience in transplant
ing in this kind of soil, took the liberty to in
qurc Of several gentlemen as to tho most appro.
pirate method, to the life and growth Of the
tree. One said, "put few potatoes into the bot
tom Of the trench, say about four quarts to tree,
and they will furnish moisture and nourishment
both" Not n bad idea I thought Others sug-
gcsted other modes, while many knew nothing
tho subject, but chad poor success in setting out
trees any way"
But feeling anxious TO succeed in my purpose
Of securing the permanent growth Of my trees,
and not being settled in my mind as to the best
mode to he adopted, I concluded to call on my
friend Mr.. Rogers, in whose judgment We could
rest, IL he had had any practical experience in
that direction, and had exercised his usual good,
sound, common sense judgment, that he brings to
bear other branches of farming, and which
think should be brought moro fully beforc our
agricultural community, in their modes and results.
As I purposed, made it convenient to call at
his place, and received the usual hearty welcome,
which is generously extended to all, and more
| especially to his brother farmers.
Says I, "Mr. Rogers, 1 an starting out to set
some apple trees and am at loss to determine
the best method have you had any experience in
| these sandy lands?
"Ycs some, not large experience nj
many, yet entirely successful"
"What is your method ~ asked.
"Well, in the first place, dig broad trench
in order to give the roots wide berth, then g.
out there" pointing to some bluffs west Of hi
house, "and dig up quantity Of the small cobbl
stones and dirt, lying at their base, puta liberia
quantity at the bottom Of each hole, sprinkle
little dirt and set my tree on the top, this will b.
perfect protection against drouth, and promot
the growth Of the trees. have not lost singl
tree, that have set in this way, and they hav
done remarkably we'll"
"There that is just the mole ~ responded, as it
in perfect harmony, with my own observa
ton. For have always observed that fruit tree
set upon n cobblo knoll, shcw more thrift, an
bear higher favored fruit, than in any othc
locality | did not hesitate to adopt this mode
so far as my limited time and labor would permit
supplying the deficiency in the quantity of ston'
by adding a liberal quantity of Rye straw, lai
in the bottom of the trench, and also, around tn
tree on the surface of the ground, to secur
surface moisture and protection against sever
drouth. II any one is disposed to try this methoC
| would say that, the small chips Of stone, lyin
in large quantities about Mr.. Wilards ledge
will answer the purpose, yet not quito so good q
broken limestone.
would suggcs. caution, against setting tree
too deep into the ground. Thi.i. applicable to a
trees. 1t is peculiarfact, which we may all OF
serve, that all the roots which supply nourishmer
are very near to the surface Of the ground Tho.
which arc necessary to hold the tree in its posito
are the ones that strike into the ground and the
no farther than 10 absolutely necessary.
As this is the period to secure good fruit, IN
also to preserve the trees from the depredations
insects, &c, will suggest that now is tho time
clear away the dirt from the base of tho tree. ur
covering a portion Of the roots, (Which can
done without injury, and make an examnatio
to see to what extent the bor0 has committed h
iepredations. This insect is now more destructiv
than any other to the apple tree, from the fac
that his dcpredations are obscure and unnoticec
and committed at the foot of the tree, sometime
in the roots. When found he should DO dug on
and destroyed. wash of strong soap-suds an
ashes, or lime, is an excellent and convenient was
within the reach of every one; also liberal dc
post of lime around the foot cool preventative
against the approach of the borer, and other insect
If these suggestions should meet with favor,
shall feel encouraged to throw out hints
other directions. A FARMER.