Charles City intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Floyd County, Iowa) 1864-1866, 1866-04-05

rs many OF the roots on as possible,
except the tap root. The less of that
the better for the the tree. Lateral
roots will produce corresponding later
al branches The hole for the trees
should not be the deepest in the centre,
like dish, but should be level at the
bottom, or the highest in the centre,
and large enough to admit the roots
without bending them. The tree should
be raised over the hole, and set into it
in such manner that the roots will
retain their natural form.
Finely pulverized soil should be
sifted around the roots until they are
all covered. Then pour on water un-
til it forms batter. When the earth
absorbs the water the soil will adhere
to all the little rootlets. Then cover
with fresh soil to prevent baking. A
substitute for this is to dip the roots in
water, then sift the fine soil upon them,
pressing it around the roots with the
hand, giving it firm pressure at the top.
The principle object is to replant
the tree as nearly as possible to its
natural condition before it was taken
from the ground.
By this mode of planting it not only
insures the life of the tree but there
will be a gain at least Of one years
growth in three years.
If the tree has been out Of the ground
for any length of time, and the branch
es appear shriveled or wilted, set the
roots into slough or pool of water,
or tub of dirty suds, for twelve or
twenty hours. If the trees are not
dead or nearly so, they resume their
natural vitality.
After the trees are planted they
should be mulched around the roots
with straw three or four inches deep,
and small quantity of earth thrown
upon it to keep it from drying and
blowing away. This mode of mulch
ing is great protection against the
drouth.
On this, like all other subjects, there
is variety of opinions. From some
experience and extensive observation
have adopted the good old general
rnle, "avoid all extremes" Some will
prune severely, others will not prune
at all. When the tree is transplanted
the branches or top should be reduced
to correspond to the reduced quantity
of roots. The tree should branch low
not more than two or three feet from,
the ground. Cut off no large branches
unless the form of the tree requires it.
Prune while the branches are young
that the wounds may heal quickly.
Use sharp tool. Cut ali interlacing
branches. When they become large
the action Of the wind will cause a
wound, and whether they are cut off or
remain will impair the longevity Of
the tree. Cutting off large branches
at any time tends to the same result
shortens its life.
DO not cut so near the branch Of
trunk as to make large wound, mol
prevent its healing readily. If the
branches are too thick, thin them out
and let in the sun light. 1t will rem.
der them more productive, and they
will yield finer, larger fruit. My favor
lite seasons for pruning are when the
leaves begin to grow in the early part
of May, and at the close Of the first
growth of timber, the last Of July
Then the wounds heal over more rap
idly than at any other time. Thin soft
soap rubbed on and round the wounds
will prevent sprouts.
Some say follow nature and not
prune any.
Nature is very good guide, but
like i" all the world and the rest of
mankind" she has some curious freaks
She sometimes produces trees which
grow the wood SO rapidly and vigor.
ously that they will not bear well with
out artificial means. Some may bear
well in dry, compact soils, but not in
light rich, moist soils. In such cases,
artificial means must be used to pro-
duce the desired result. When the
trees are large enough to bear, are
growing vigorously, and fail to pro-
duce fruit, the land should be seeded
with Timothy, and rolled with heavy
roller. Some resort to pruning cut
ting off part Of the large roots two or
three feet from the body. This checks
the growth of wood, and tends to the
production of fruit. When an orchard
gets in good bearing condition, the
simplest and best treatment it can
have il to seed it with clover. When
the clover begins to ripen, NOW it and
mulch the roots Of each tree with two
or three forks full of green clover.
The value of the clover will be repaid
ten fold in the quantity and quality of
the fruit.
Buy no trees except those which are
known to be hardy and productive.
The nearer they are raised or cultiva-
ted to your own locality, the more like
ly they are to succeed. If the people
will commence Immediately, and give
their earnest attention to the produc.
ton of apples, in ten years they could
furnish supply for the local consump
ton, and save vast amount of money
which will otherwise be sent abroad
for them have extended this com.
munication SO that must curtail the
description of varieties will simply
remark that the following are known
to be hardy, productive and of good
quality
SUMNER APPLES.
Red Astraehan.-Large, deep crimson,
rich acid.
Early Straioberry.-Medium size, deep
red, fine flavor.
Red June Medium size, deep red, fine
grained and tender.
Kesriok Codiin.-Largc, pale yellow,
acid, excellent.
Washington, or Sops Of Wine.-Medium,
size, red, delicious.
FALL APPLES.
Maiden's Blash.-Large, polished, with
red cheek, fine acid.
FaneSse.-Middling sized, flesh white,
hardy and good.
Duchess of OtdenbGrg.- Large, striped,
tart. productive, profitable.
Grarsnstein. Large, high favored,
tender and crisp ; a good bearer