THE FLORAL WOELD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 311 



extremities to at least a foot below the level of the bottom of the pit. By these 

 channels the root-bod is rendered less liable to root-damp, the great obstacle to the 

 success of newly transplanted trees, which is frequently originated by hard tramping 

 and over-watering at the time of removal. 



Having thus placed the tree in the site, the soil is next cautiously filled in to the 

 hole, care being taken to firm it well ; but, in doing so, it is especially requisite to 

 av(ad lacerating the small roots, and Avhen the earth is all filled in, there should be 

 formed around the neck of the tree a trough or hollow, to prevent the operation of 

 watering from washing away the soil, and thus exposing the rootlets near the sur- 

 face of the ground. 



In planting the tree in its new situation, it is sometimes customary to reverse 

 its position, if it happens to have a weather side, or an unequally balanced head, and 

 to turn towards the stormiest point the side of the tree best furnished with branches. 

 In this way the habit of the plant to turn its branches from the wind is corrected, 

 and its future appearance improved. AVhere much inequality exists, or where long 

 limbs predominate too much, a little judicious pruning may be also desirable. In 

 no case do we advocate root piuning in transplanting deciduous or other trees. 



In the manner thus indicated, specimens from about three to six and eight feet 

 in height are removed without the aid of machinery ; but where a good root-ball 

 cannot be obtained, a transplanting apparatus should be employed ; and, when this 

 is necessary, we have found the 30-inch transplanter, patented by M'Glashan, of 

 Edinburgh, at once efiicient, easily wrought, and economical. 



The same general rule is applicable to all methods of transplanting, whether by 

 manual labour or by machine, namely, to disturb the functions of nature as little 

 as possible, and when disturbed to provide for the injury a speedy remedy. Thus 

 very large plants may be transported any distance with perfect safety. When the 

 operation is conducted by manual labour only, and a considerable distance has to be 

 traversed to the new site, we have found it best to place the specimen upon a hand- 

 barrow, and to have the same borne by two or more labourers, seated in a spring- 

 cart, and, in this way, neither the jolting of the springs, nor the rough unevenness 

 of the road, afi'ects the stability of the^root-ball. When placed in its new position, 

 it is well to have the pit somewhat larger than necessary, and into the vacant space 

 around the ball to pack closely a quantity of fresh mould, composed of well-rotted 

 turf mixed with leaf-mould ; and, after one good drenching of water, the tree may be 

 left to its fate. 



Should very dry weather supervene, it maybe necessary to add more water. 

 Yet this is rarely requisite ; and we think that mischief is too often done by frequent 

 repetitions of watering. In administering the thorough soaking when planted, it is 

 best to apply the water overhead — that is, upon the leaves and foliage of the tree, 

 and not merely to pour it into the roots. By this precaution, the invariable ten- 

 dency to profuse perspiration which the leaves of a transplanted tree exhibit, is 

 prevented or modified, and, consequently, any undue drain upon the system of the 

 tree from that cause is obviated. To aid the success of transplanting, it is almost 

 unnecessary to add that the operation should only be conducted in dull or cloudy 

 weather. 



Security against the swaying of the plant from the action of wind is the only 

 other precautionary measure, subsequent to planting, requiring notice in this paper. 



As soon as removed, all specimens should be firmly secured against the sudden 

 attacks of gusty weather. Generally speaking, in the case of large trees, the root- 

 ball will be found a sheet-anchor of sufficient weight (if the tree has been properly 

 lifted) to cope with the violence of the elements. 



It is well, however, to moor small or tender trees by stakes well driven into the 

 ground, probably to a depth of three feet, or by ropes or strand- wires fastened to 

 stakes driven into the soil around the root. Another method sometimes employed 

 to secure steadiness of the tree in its new position, is, in transplanting, to splice to 

 its leading roots long pieces of tree-roots, from 15 to ^20 feet long and about two 

 inches diameter, cut from other trees — ihus the lever power, and resistance of the 

 roots against the swaying of the head by the wind, is greatly increased, until the 

 tree takes hold of the soil for itself, and becomes thoroughly established in its new 

 site. 



In cases where ornamental shrubs or trees are planted, with the prospect of 

 being again, at no distant date, transplanted, it would be well to proceed thus : — 



