Standards, Or Orchard Trees

The standards having been trained in the nursery with tolerably good heads, they should be planted with those heads entire; if any are intended for the kitchen garden, plant them at least forty feet distance; and, for a full plantation, to form an orchard, allow thirty feet distance every way.

Trim any broken roots, but leave all the others entire.

As soon as planted, let every one be well staked, to support them firmly upright, and prevent their being disturbed in rooting by winds.

Smaller growing standards, such as codlins and dwarfs upon paradise stocks, may, if required, be planted only at twenty feet distance, though, if there is room to allow a greater distance, it will be the greater advantage.

Let them also, in future, advance with all their branches at full length, taking their own natural growth, and they will soon form numerous natural spurs in every part for bearing.

With respect to pruning these standards very little is required, probably not more than once in several years, and then only the retrenching any very irregular cross-placed bough, or reducing to order any very long rambler; or when the head is become greatly crowded and confused, to thin out some of the most irregular growth, likewise all strong shoots growing upright in the middle of the head, and all dead wood and suckers from the stem and root.

Some persons, however, prefer more pruning, and Mr. Clarke, gardener to the Earl of Lonsdale, says, "My season for pruning commences as soon as the fruit is taken off the trees, and continues to the middle of March; during that time cut out all the ill-placed shoots, such as incline to grow towards the centre, or into each other, and leave untouched all those that stand in such a way that the tree will form a cup, or something like a well blown tulip, all the branches standing perfectly clear of each other, so that they will bear fruit on the inside, the sun and air getting to all parts of the tree alike. Keep fruit trees as low as possible; this may be done by removing a limb when it is likely to get over tall, leaving a young shoot at a proper place to succeed it. The apple is in America a hardy robust tree, and succeeds admirably throughout the middle and western states, though it were desirable it should receive more attention than is frequently bestowed on it. Its principal enemy is the "Borer," (Saperda bivittata), which deposits its eggs in the body of the tree near the ground. The insects perforate the wood, causing disease, and if undisturbed ultimately death.

The reme-dy is the frequent use of pliant wire thrust into the wound, so as to pierce the grub; a mound of ashes around the trunk is beneficial - alkali being extremely offensive to insects.

For full directions as to the management of apple trees see the "Fruit Cul-turist," by Thomas. "Fruits of America," by Downing. "Kenrick's Or-chardist".