630 TJie yoiirnal of Forestry. 



This brings us to the third point in favour of early planting — more 

 growing force. Tlie roots are more active in the late autumn or 

 early winter than at any other season. Few that have had much 

 experience with trees or shrubs but must have noticed this. Lay 

 trees in by the heels in November, and they will form a mass of new roots 

 in a month or six weeks. Lay the same trees in during January, and 

 nothing like the number of roots will be formed. An examination of 

 trees planted at the two seasons respectively reveals similar disparity 

 of root action at the two seasons. The cause of this may arise from the 

 descending sap, if there is such a thing. Or perhaps, more probably, 

 from the residue of solar heat still stored within the fertile bosom of 

 the earth. Probably, also, the winter is the special season for root 

 extension. During the summer, with the trees covered with leaves, 

 flowers, or fruits, it may very well happen that the roots are chiefly 

 engaged in forwarding supplies. Like parcels delivery companies, they 

 may then receive for and deliver to other parts of the plants chiefly or 

 only. The season of falling leaves, and naked boughs brings a partial 

 rest or slackness in the collecting and delivery departments. What, 

 therefore, is more probable than that this should be the season chosen by 

 the roots for enlarging themselves, and breaking into new ground 

 against the augmented demands of the next season. Be all this as 

 it may, it is certain that during November the roots of deciduous 

 trees are in a state of abnormal activity, and the prudent cultivator 

 will gladly avail himself of this augmented vital force as the most 

 potent means at his disposal for promptly starting his trees in their 

 new positions. 



The early planter also gets more work done than the late one. 

 Work here has also a double meaning. It is true the early planter 

 gets more trees planted for less money than he that plants later. This 

 is something, for planting is costly if well done, whether on a large 

 or a small scale. But the trees themselves do better if planted 

 early, — and this is of the utmost moment. Trees thrive or stunt, live 

 or die, very much in the ratio of the promptness of their root-making 

 within the first two months of the time of their planting. Plant in 

 November — the roots will be in full growth before January, and the 

 tree be safely established, — plant in January, and the condition of 

 the tree in March — the most trying month of the whole year — may 

 be said to be at the mercy of a chapter of accidents, on which no one 

 can rely with any certainty. 



If there is any ti'uth in these remarks — and no planter will deny 

 that there is much — one last proposition follows as a matter of 

 course, that the early planter commands the larger measure of 

 success. This is abundantly proved by experience, the outcome of 

 which may be summarized thus : — Plant early, the trees must thrive ; 

 plant late, they may live. 



