THE PLANTING OF TREES.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9435, 4 May 1909, Page 7

THE PLANTING OF TREES.

A NEW THEORY

An important garden discovery has 'been re-tested with some striking resnlts at the Duke of Bedford a Woburn fruit farm, and will oome much discussion among horti'Oulturists. The 1908 report as signed by the Duke of Bedford himself and Mr Spencer Pickering. The broad and satisfactory conclusion is that it is better to bo careless than careful lor the following reasons :-The long series of experiments have 'proved that a transplanted tree grows very roach in the same way as a seed. It ds wholly a mistake to suppose, as everyone has previously supposed, that great care to preserve the small rootlets is requisite. As in any case these sensitive tips are damaged, the •tree does not take up with the old way of growing, hut practically afresh, and depends for vitality .on the new roots which it forms. It Was discovered by a pure accident that certain carelessly planted trees grew very‘much better than those about which much trouble had been -taken, and the subsequent experiments may he said to prove conclusively that if you want a tree to crow well yon must ram and hammer and pound the earth in with the utmost foice. If yon bruise the roots so much the better; it will stimulate them to send out now rootlets.