The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-11

these causes, are only more injurious now.
than formerly from the 81 nple fact that,
trees under modero methods OF culture, have
less vital force, and are less acle TO with
stand their attacksl Taking it for granted
that this is mainly the source whencs arises
the trouble with trees. then, it must
needs come from the manner OF budding
and grating, the kind Of soil planted in.
and the method Of pruning, as these are the
rudimsntary means of building up tree.
In the first place, then, none but strong
vigorous See1iing stocks should be used upon
which to graft or bud, and then the scions
should not be put on until the stock is we'll
developed, strong and vigorous. Some saw
not till the stock is seven or eight years old /:
but perhaps this is the best only in special
cases, in general it is not best as then tax
ing off so much vigorous top TO insert the
scion causes a great shock TO the stock and
Its roots and is likely to expose
the tree to disease. The top Topped off a
large stock with widely spreading roots
and only a small scion or two set on, the
larger part of the roots are deprived of their
support from the foliage, and of course
must receive a check that is likely TO prove
detrimental TO the tree sooner or later.
Hence, we think young, vigorous stock are
the best, and should be used
Excessive pruning comes in for a share Of
the work Of estroying the vigor of trees.
This should be done with more caution. and
less excessively than is generally practiced.
Cutting away great portion of the
branches, some Of them large ones causes
decay where severed, and a receptacle for
insect pests, and the destr dction of a cor
respon ling amount Of roots, which decay
and give rise to fungus evils. Pruning in
the main should be greatly reduced; merely
rubbing off superfiuOus buds as soon as they
appear. or cutting out diseased or decayed
branches will usually answer all that is
necessary in the line of pruning.
The other important point in the process
of building up is proper soil. Perhaps from
no cause do tresS suffer more than from
starvation. Orchards are too often planted
on Indifferent ground, because il is not so
good for cultivation; ana for this very rea-
son, it should be considered, it is not so good
for fruit growing. Soil in which corn will
grow well, fruit trees will do well but they
must not be left to grow and bear fruit from
year to year, depending on the natural
strength Of the soil. The corn field is not
so left, but is replenished each year with
more or less fertilizing material; and so
must the orchard be if healthy, fruit bear
ing trees are obtained.
Upland with rice loan soil is best for an
orchard. II wet, or heavy clay soil, it
should be drained and supplied with plenty
of sand or loan, worked well and deep into
the soil. In general, loan or alluvium
composted with manure from the cattle
stalls, is good fertilizer for the orchard
and should be supplied every two or three
years, or oftener If needed. The compost
should be worked down deep into the soil at
the extremities Of the roots, and as deep
nearer the tree as may be not to lacerate
the roots too much.
Such line of treatment will insure Wig
orous, healthy tress, and that will not so
readily succumb TO diseases when aSSailed
by them.