93 



Till- FLORIST. 



enclosed between their blades will be converted from a cube into a 

 wedge with the point downwards, by which means the earth becomes 

 secured within the four spade-blades. After this a collar is fixed to 

 the stem of the plant, and to the two opposite sides of the iron frame 

 a, grasping the plant firmly, and preventing it slipping. The next 

 point is to attach to the four corners of the iron frame as many hooks 

 d, through which is passed a pair of handles, such as are used for a 

 sedan-chair, e; and then the plant is ready to be lifted, which is done 

 by two or more men raising the plant by its handles. Thus raised, 

 it can be removed to any other place without disturbance, and a hole 

 having been previously prepared, left there by unfastening the collar, 

 withdrawing the spades, and uncoupling the iron frame . 



The time consumed in this operation need not exceed ten minutes 

 for an apparatus worked by four men. 



In the case just described, the lift is taken by two or four men; 

 but when large trees, with great balls of soil attached to their roots, 

 have to be removed, then mechanical power is applied in the follow- 

 ing manner : — The ball is first effectively secured something in the 

 way of that represented above ; after which a pair of strong timber 

 trucks are backed up to the two ends of the frame, each having above 

 its axle a powerful wooden upright ; upon this is constructed a frame 

 of timber, through which pass vertical screws attached to a powerful 

 iron coupling, and working in collars secured to the platform. The 

 screws are finally connected with the lower apparatus which secures 

 the roots of the tree by chains passed through the couplings. The 

 lift is taken by means of the screws which are worked by men stand- 

 ing upon the upper platform. When the mass is raised out of the 

 ground, the trucks are chained together, and may be moved in any 

 direction required. 



