The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1879-01-29
FARM. GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD
srirctlnsnnd rrnn.plnntins Trees.

selecting aud TrnnspiantinE Trees.
A Pennsylvania uurserymau tells us
that the German element Of the popula-
tion in parts Of his State will, as a rule
have nothing in The tree line unless it is
large, aud this partiality for overgrown
stock is of great advantage to the deal
ers, who would be forced to destroy an
nually pauy hundreds of Just such
specimens were it not for this demand.
Believing that they thus get the most
for their money, they are really obtain
ing the least, rs young, thrifty trees,
with smooth bright bark, and straight
leading shoots, will give n bearing or
chard in advanco of the overgrown ones.
Young trees with forked tops will be
the first to split during hard storms,
therefore no matter how handsome in
other respects, always avoid this defect.
Before setting examine we'll at the base
of the trunk where the roots emanate;
should any "borers be found, ont with
them, so that the tree may start fair.
A health in any case is preferable to
show, the young tree with long shoots,
indicating conclusively the evil effects
of strong stimulants, is much inferior to
one with short, well-ripened branches.
OF course it is hardly practicable to
attempt to save all the rootlets at Dig
ging time, but it is quite possible to
follow each large root very near to its
end. If planters would only consider
the uses of roots there would be much
fewer instances of mutilation, and con-
sequent ill-success in orcharding. Ooca-
sionally, however, roots will get bruised
in digging, and then the bruised portion
must be cut away smoothly. In setting
the tree never jam the roots into little
hole insufficient to hold them in natur.
al position, but insist on having every
little rootlet as near as may be just as it
grew. AS to depth, better plant too
shallow than go to the other extreme,
as in the former case there is small dan
ger of injury, especially if protected by
mulching.
Few things are so important as firm
ing the soil around newly-planted trees ;
neglect here is a principal cause of so
many vacant spaces in young orchards.
If pressed down as solid as possible, the
soil will retain moisture far greater
length of time than if merely thrown
loosely into the hole, promote an early
start of the rootlets and small fibers,
and prevent loss which would follow a
cessation of growth.
Something plausible is said on both
sides of the question of pruning trees at
the time of transplanting; but the weight
of argument seems to favor a reasonable
shortening in. AS a generally accepted
rule, trees seldom make much growth
the first season after removal, and if the
roots have not worked properly in their
new home, the consequence will be small
yellow foliage. Now if a portion of the
shoots are cut away in advance, the top
will usually present better appearance
at the close of the first year. Pruning
will cause accelerated growth, whether
the tree has been moved or not, hence
its Importance when other agents are at
work to retard growth. Some orchard
lists prune too much; others not at all.
The happy medium brings best results.
Mulching rarely receives attention
except from those whose long experience
has clearly indicated the necessity of
preserving the roots at regular medium
temperature, avoiding alike excess OF
drought aud moisture. The necessity
for it is equal-winter and summer-in
wi2ter to guard against sudden extremes
OF temperature; in summer, as protec.
tion from hot sun. Be careful not tc
bury the roots in q mulch several inches
deep, as this would certainly injure the
tree, and instances are known of speci
mems killed outright victims of too
much kindness. The material (Which
may be anything light, open and porous
should extend, in newly planted tree
as far as the roots spread instead o.
being heaped close around the stem. -
NetC York Tribune.
Household Hints.
When drying rack is used dishes
should not be wiped
Fine china should never be put int,
hot water, as it spoils the enamel.
Cool rain water and soda will remov,
machine grease from washable fabrics
Tortoise shell and horn combs las
much longer for having oil rubbed int,
them once in awhile.
A tablespoonful of ammonia in on
gallon of warm water will restore tn
color OF carpets.
Silk pocket handkerchiefs, and deel
blue factory cotton will not fade if dip
ped 10 salt and water while new.
A polish for black walnut may b
made OF quarter of a pint of raw linsee
oil, one tablespoonful of muriatic acid
and little vinegar.
When ivory-handled knives turn vel
low, rub them with nice sand-paper, O
emery it will take off all the spots an
restore the whiteness.
Do not have flannel or wooden dis
rags, as they retain the grease, and S
keep putting it on instead of taking
off. Old towels are the best for thi
purpose, and they should be washe
and boiled as regularly as the napkin
and towels themselves.
Do not sweep carpets any oftener tina
is absolutely necessary. After Dime
sweep the crumbs into a dusting- pa
with your hearth brush and, if yo
have been sewing, pick up the shred
by hand. A carpet can be kept ver
neat in this way and 8 broom wears