274 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



In the case of evergreen trees, which we usually cut round 

 and raise out of the soil with a ball of earth adhering to the 

 great mass of rootlets which that class of trees generally send 

 out, the necessity for root pruning may not seem so urgent, 

 yet there are instances, frequently, when the knife may be 

 applied to advantage. 



When, as is sometimes done, deciduous forest trees are set in 

 barren, gravelly places, let an excavation be made large enough 

 to take in a cart-load of good soil, and wherever trees are to be 

 planted, whether in the well prepared border, the well tilled 

 field, or on the lawn, holes should always be made sufficiently 

 capacious to receive the roots without cramping. Neither is it 

 less important that the roots be all spread out in their natural 

 position, and the earth placed round them in the most careful 

 and thorough manner, the while, keeping the head plumb 

 over the stool, in order that the replanted tree may keep 

 its position after the work is done. We can scarcely imagine a 

 more unsightly appearance than a line of trees recently planted, 

 some of which lean one way and some another, all points of the 

 compass being indicated by the inclinations. In locations where 

 newly set trees arc exposed to raking winds, we recommend 

 placing about the roots a little coarse litter, and upon that some 

 flat stones, to keep the mulch in place and the trees in position. 

 We are not a believer in tying trees to stakes to hold them in 

 place, nor would we use stakes in tree planting except to protect 

 them, in case of necessity, against damage by animals, and then 

 at a little distance off, when, by a judicious use of listing or 

 leather straps, injury by chafing would be avoided. The 

 preceding remarks are applicable both to fruit and forest 

 trees. 



Of our native forest trees which will bear removal with 

 scarcely room to doubt of success when the work is properly 

 performed, may be named the elm, maple, ash and birch 

 families, in all their variety. 



The lime (basswood,) is a beautiful and honey-producing 

 tree, as safe in removal as a crab-apple. Hickories and oaks 

 much more uncertain. Chestnut ditto, though we believe the 

 latter arc less liable to fail. All, however, may be moved when 

 quite small, successfully, if a reasonable share of skill, care and 



