Cheyenne transporter. [volume] (Darlington, Indian Terr.) 1879-1886, 1882-10-13
The Time for Planting an Orchard.

American Agriculturist
The discussions as to the most favor
able time for tree planting, Us a gener-
al thing, favor the autumn, but not
~withstanding this, by far the greater
number wait until spring. There are
many points in favor of autumn plant
ing in all the milder parts of the
country. In the far northern localities,
where winter sets in abruptly, spring
planting is to be preferred. But rs "a
general thing, u autumn is prolonged,
the transition from Summer to winter
is very gradual, and we have then the
most delightful weather of the whole
year. At this time the soil is in the
best condition for working, not having
lost its genial warmth; not only can
the work be done with greater comfort
and more rapidity, but the soil is in the
best condition to receive the roots. A
tree IS not a mere dead stick, to be set
in the ground as if it were a post; il is
still alive, though its vitality is not
manifest; after the roots are placed in
the soil, a certain growth takes place
before winter. The wounds on the
roots, made in taking up the tree, COM
mence to repair damages, and often
new fibres are formed, to be ready for
active work by healing over in the
coming spring.
In autumn, there is not in the nurs-
cries so much of a rush of work as in
spring; besides, the stock has not heen
reduced by many sales, and the trees
are likely to be better. One objection
to purchasing the trees in fall made by
soma ic thnt tho n,trsarVroon in nV1at
to fill his orders, must strip off the TO-
liage. This has but little weight, if the
nurseryman understands his business.
In u mild autumns, when the leaves
have done their work and have fully
ripened-for leaves ripen as well rs
fruit-they will often remain attached
to the tree for weeks, or until II severe
storm shakes them off. When the
leaves are in this state, they require
very little force to separate them from
the branches, and the stripping, if done
at this time, can not iniure the tree.
The thorough planting of a tree
requires that the soil should
be in immediate, close contact
with all the roots; no two roots
should touch one another, but every
root and root-fibre must be surrounded
with earth, and no air-spaces lief
among them. This can not be done
with a hoe or with the foot, but re
quires the hands to work the soil il
among the small roots. At this time
of the year the soil is in that genia
condition that one does not hesitate tC
handle it and perform the work of plac
ing the roots with thoroughness.
At this season, the planting of tn
tree should be finished by making
mound of earth a foot or more higl
around its base; let this be made steer
and as smooth as possible. A mounC
of this kind serves several purposes
it greatly stiffens the tree and prevent
injury by violent winds; it serves t.
protect the roots in severe weather
and if no rubbish is allowed to accum
ulate upon it, will keep off the mice, S
often injurious to young trees. Will
n mound of this kind will general
avoid the. use of stakes, there ar
localities in which, on account of vic
lent winds, stalking is necessary. Whe
stalking must be done, set the stake
first. Having made the proper eXcaN
alton (not n mere hOle) for the tree
drive down the stake, and then put tn
tree in position, arranging the root
upon each side of it. If the trees ar
planted, and the stakes driven aftel
wards, man of the roots will be brui!
ed and broken, and the tree injured.