Page:The Olive Its Culture in Theory and Practice.djvu/76

62 are two methods of treatment each having its advocates. One is to cut off all branches in order that the strength of the tree may go entirely to root making, and the other to leave the five six or seven branches forming the head. In the first instance the new branches are apt to put out half way up the stem, when the plant has to be cut down to them, and the result is that the head is formed too low. On the other hand in transplanting with the head formed, these branches are apt to suffer at first from lack of nourishment, and so check the growth. The good of the tree would be consulted by taking off all branches, but if the head can be left on, fruiting will be anticipated by about two years. In truth the good features of each method may be adopted by leaving the head on, but clipping the branches very short. The tree may also be compelled to branch at the desired height by bending down the little branches forming the head, and tying them to the trunk during the two years proceeding its removal from the nursery. This will cause the sap to accumulate there, and when the tree is deprived of all its branches at the time of transplanting to a permanent position, the new branches will come out there in preference to any other part of the tree. But the tree is the more vigorous as the trunk is kept short. In setting out in permanent position in orchard if on level land plant, from two to four inches deeper than in nursery, and if on a hillside from four to eight inches. A layer of chaff or cut straw placed about the tree just before filling up the hole, will serve to retain the moisture in the soil. In removing trees from the nursery to final locality, mark the south side so that they may be replanted in the same position. If this is not done the tree often remains stationary for a long time. Some writers have advocated reversing the former position with the idea of equalizing the growth, but this appears to simply stop the onward march of the tree where it might be gaining all the time; or were any equalization of growth necessary it could be accomplished in the pruning. The young