AN ENCYCLOPADIA 
OF HORTICULTURE. val 
Transplanting—continued. 
space according to their requirements; and others, with 
some few exceptions, that reach a considerable size, may, 
with proper appliances, be transferred to particular situa- 
tions for producing an immediate effect. Transplanting 
forms one of the chief divisions of labour in nurseries, 
where, by its aid, thousands of plants are being con- 
tinually prepared, in a limited area, for dispersing, 
eventually, over hundreds of acres of land. Fruit-trees 
may also be prepared in any quantity in nurseries, and 
grown, if desired, into a size large enough for bearing, 
when, at the proper season, they may be safely lifted 
and despatched for planting elsewhere, in private and 
other establishments. 
In private gardens, Transplanting of seedlings of various 
descriptions and sizes forms part of the routine work, 
more or less, all the year round, but more especially 
in spring and early summer. Amongst the most im- 
portant points to consider are the proper seasons for 
performing the work successfully, the previous prepara- 
tion of the ground, and also the plants, if necessary, the 
operation of lifting, conveying to the new situation, 
and replanting, and after-management until the roots 
have re-established themselves. It scarcely need be 
said that considerable knowledge of. the subject, and 
the exercise of much judgment and care, are necessary 
for Transplanting on an extensive scale, and with success. 
Some of these provisions are always essentials in the 
management of every garden. It is next to impossible 
to lift a plant that has been growing in the ground, 
and place it again in soil elsewhere, without cutting or 
breaking some of the roots, which, at least in a young 
state, are invariably tender in nearly every kind of 
tree and plant. In some cases this is comparatively 
unimportant—it may even be adyantageous—but in others 
it may be quite the reverse. Sometimes, the spongioles, 
which extract nourishment from the soil, are numerous, 
and if a few become injured, there are plenty left for 
sustaining the plant; in other instances, there are but 
few, and then a greater risk is incurred. The proper 
season for Transplanting depends upon the kind of plant. 
Seedlings of vegetable crops, and tender or half-hardy 
plants raised under glass, generally need inserting into 
new soil soon after they become large enough to handle, 
in order to allow each individual more space and to prevent 
injury from overcrowding. The operation may have to 
be repeated, in some instances, two or three times before 
the permanent positions are reached; but, as a rule, it 
is with such plants one of the easiest performed, the 
chief precautions requisite being a good watering and 
shade for a few days, should it be necessary. Transplanting 
is, however, always best performed in dull, mild, and 
preferably damp weather: there is then less evaporation 
going on, and the ground is usually in better condition 
for working. Dry weather is not favourable for the work ; 
it is important to watch opportunities, and never to lift 
Plants until the new situation has been prepared for 
receiving them. The act of pricking out seedlings and 
frequently removing plants when in a young state, so 
far as may be consistent with their well-being, causes 
an increase of roots and also keeps them closer to the 
base. This is an advantage, inasmuch as every opera- 
tion renders success in any subsequent Transplanting more 
certain, because of its effect in preventing an unlimited 
extension of the main spongioles. Beyond the recom- 
mendation that all seedling plants raised under glass and | 
in seed-beds, for growing out of doors, should be moved, 
so far as possible, only when the weather is favourable 
for a quick renewal of growth, little further need be 
said here respecting them. Root action takes place most 
quickly when the soil is light; it is therefore a good 
Plan generally to provide a light compost for seedlings, 
even if they require to be into a heavier one 
when more fully developed. 
Transplanting —continued. 
The Transplanting of fruit-trees, ornamental and forest- 
trees, and shrubs of every description, into what may be 
considered more or less permanent quarters, forms 
annually a very important undertaking in many esta- 
blishments, particularly when alterations are taking place, 
and new gardens or grounds are being laid out. As 
the usual sources of supply are the nurseries, the trees 
have often to be forwarded a long distance before — 
reaching their destination. This not unfrequently has 
an injurious effect if the soil falls away when unpacking, 
or the roots become dry from a certain amount of exposure, 
which is often unavoidable. There is a vast difference 
between Transplanting trees or shrubs from one place 
to another in the same garden, and procuring them 
from a nursery. In the former case, the roots need 
only be exposed for a very short time if the work is 
properly managed, and, providing the weather is favour- 
able, it may be conducted at seasons when long exposure 
would entail certain loss. Frequent Transplanting in 
| the nursery keeps, as already noted, the roots close 
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home, and this renders lifting and packing a more 
successful process than it otherwise would be. Trees 
and plants of any description should never be longer 
on a journey than is really necessary; they should 
be unpacked immediately on reaching their destination, 
and, if they cannot be immediately planted in their new 
quarters, the roots should be covered with soil.. Root 
action may, and doubtless does, in many subjects, re- 
commence gradually, very soon or directly after the 
` work of Transplanting is completed: hence the im- 
portance of placing trees or plants at once in permanent 
positions, to. prevent further disturbance. 
The methods of Transplanting vary considerably in 
detail, according to different plants, and the manner 
in which their roots are naturally disposed. Some are 
deep, others shallow, rooting ; and at times it is desirable, 
as in the case of some fruit-trees, to check the natural 
tendency when Transplanting, and to place roots in a 
horizontal direction, instead of allowing them to proceed 
downwards. There are some directions which are 
generally applicable, and these may be briefly referred 
to; the special details attending the management of 
individual plants or kind of trees can only be. given in 
dealing with their cultivation separately. Usually, the 
hole should be first prepared, unless there are two sets 
of workmen—one digging holes, and the other lifting the 
plants. The requisite breadth and depth depends on the 
quantity and length of roots, but plenty of space should 
be allowed to spread them at full length, and to work 
readily all round. If the top soil is of better quality 
than that beneath, it may be placed on one side of the 
hole and mixed with some new, if the plant requires 
it. The bottom of the hole should be well broken up, and 
raised a little in the centre under the base of the plant. 
Having thus far prepared the hole, the plant may be 
placed in position, and the roots spread out evenly. It 
is best to ascertain first if the depth is all right, by 
laying a rod or drawing a small line across the top, taking 
a fair level on both sides. On no account should tree- 
trunks be buried, though they may be kept slightly lower 
than the ground level, in order that water may readily 
pass to the roots. A rod or line laid close to the trunk 
will show immediately if it is necessary to raise or lower 
the base, and any alteration can soon be made before 
filling in. Carefully spread out all the roots with the 
hand, and, should there be any hollow places beneath, fill 
in some soil to insure a firm resting-place. All soil that 
is placed in contact with the roots, both beneath and 
above, should be rather fine, and in a friable condition ; 
this is very important, as hard lumps, or anything of too 
heavy a nature, would not fill up the cavities satisfactorily. 
Once the roots are arranged and covered, the holes may 
be filled up and trodden sufficiently, as the work proceeds, 
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