Oil Planting, 537 



penetrable mass of soil, from which their tender fibres can derive little 

 or no nourishment. 



In situations of great exposure it is a common practice to place the 

 tree in one corner of the dug hole, giving it the support of the un- 

 moved ground on its leeward side. But as in such a case the roots 

 must all be spread out on the opposite side, and will consequently 

 make their most vigorous growth in that direction, while they will be 

 very slow in penetrating the firm soil, the practice is not to be recom- 

 mended. In the well-trenched nursery grounds it may be advisable ; 

 but where upon very firm soils holing alone has been the preparation, 

 its advantages are very questionable. 



Upon light and stony soils the stones are sometimes placed around 

 or near the stem of the plant, to counteract the loosening effects of 

 frosts. It is necessary at all times to prevent rocking, as no satisfac- 

 tory root-growth can be made while this continues. Hence the 

 disadvantage of using plants which have stood very close together in 

 the nursery lines. Their growth is not sufficiently robust to fit them 

 for exposed places. 



In conclusion, we cannot too strongly insist upon the necessity of a 

 proper preparation of the ground, a judicious selection of trees, and of 

 weather for removing them, and careful handling in every operation. 

 By a strict attention to this the planter may rest satisfied that, though 

 "'tis not in mortals to command success," he'll "deserve it." 



