536 The Journal of Forestry, 



experienced hands. Besides, as it can only be practised in tlie case 

 of deciduous trees, it ought to ensure all the more care being taken in 

 raising the coniferous kinds. 



During their removal all plants should have their roots carefully 

 covered, and where bedding in has to be resorted to, choose moderately 

 dry and warm ground. In the case of Scotch and spruce firs, and 

 other persistent-leaved kinds, spread them out thinly in the lines, or 

 niouldiness will follow. The roots should in all cases be embedded in 

 tolerably fine soil. 



Where the plants are small and the system of notching-in is prac- 

 tised, the marker goes forward, and by a cross-cut of his spade 

 indicates the position of each plant. The planter who follows strikes 

 the point of his spade or diamond-dibble into the ground at one 

 extremity of the cross, and to a depth proportioned to the require- 

 ments of his plant, and then depresses the handle, upon which the 

 ^Tounds open at the centre of the notch, wide enough to allow the 

 Doy or carrier to insert the plant. By withdrawing the spade after 

 adjusting the roots the ground closes, and a slight pressure of the foot 

 completes the operation. In this way a man and boy may plant from 

 1,200 to 1,500 trees per day. Where small plants are used, and the 

 land is of a nature to require the use of the planting mattock, the 

 ground is well loosened, and the larger stones removed from the hole, 

 after which the operation is completed with the aid of the planting 

 hoe, a light treading being necessary to finish it. 



In planting-in prepared holes water should be let off, and the 

 bottom should be well stirred and loosened. The addition of com- 

 post, a little lime, or some burnt soil, will prove invaluable. In 

 making such additions the object should be to meet the requirements 

 of the intended crop, and cause the new position to assimilate as much 

 as possible to the old one. Where the turf is not to be replaced around 

 the stem, it is better to chop it finely and put it in the bottom of the 

 hole, as it seldom settles firmly above the roots. While the tree is 

 held by a boy in an upriglit position, the planter shakes over its roots 

 some of the finest soil within his reach, and by gently moving it up 

 and down every crevice is filled. At the same time care should be 

 taken to feather out the roots by hand, to distribute them evenly 

 throughout the whole soil, and put them in their natural positions. 

 This system will place them under the most favourable circumstances 

 for obtaining their regular supply of food, and will be most likely to 

 ensure permanent stability. 



No treading should be allowed except upon very light soils, and 

 even there the operation is better deferred till some days after 

 planting. To stamp heavily upon wet earth or clay immediately it is 

 placed around the roots of trees, is to encase them in an almost im- 



