256 ANNUAL REPORT 



trees for the spring sales. The sap starts as soon in spring as the 

 frost is out of the ground, and the bending and swaying of the tree 

 in the process of digging frequently loosens the bark from the 

 wood, and it afterwards dries and makes what is called suu-scaled. 

 Also, spring-dug trees do not have time to heal over the roots that 

 are cut in digging before the buds push, and they start more feebly, 

 do not get as well matured in the fall and consequently receive 

 injuries the next winter that cause them to become black-hearted. 

 In heeling-in trees that are to remain over winter dig a trench 

 with a sloping bank that is raised by throwing the earth on that 

 side. Open the bundles and place the trees in it with their tops 

 leaning to the south, (the trench should run east and west with 

 sloping bank on south side,) and carefully fill fine earth in amongst 

 and over the roots so as to leave no openings for mice or air to get 

 in, and be sure to round up so that no water shall run into the 

 trench. Choose for the purpose a dry, sheltered knoll or bank. 

 Heeled-in in this manner the tops will shade themselves, and the 

 roots and the soil about them is not exposed to the direct rays of 

 the sun, which would cause frequent thawing and freezing. 



PLANTING. 



This will require the exercise of some skill and patient labor to 

 do it well. For this climate, spring is the best season, and the 

 right time is after the frost is all out of the ground and it has 

 become dry and warm enough so that vegetation will soon start, 

 but before the buds have started on the trees. If the ground has 

 been well and deeply plowed, it is not necessary to open holes 

 larger than to receive the roots without cramping. If not so pre- 

 pared the holes should be dug at least six feet across, and as deep 

 as the ground will hereafter be stirred, and good surface soil filled 

 in the bottom up to where the roots of the tree are to set. After 

 the hole is dug the tree is to be placed just where it is wanted, an 

 inch lower than it grew in the nursery, and held there by one 

 hand or by an assistant, and after the fibers and roots are spread 

 out naturally, proceed to work fine surface soil, previously pro- 

 vided, among them. A slight shake of the tree will assist in 

 settling it among them. After the roots are all covered, with no 

 cavities left to admit air, give a gentle pressure with the foot, 

 particularly about the ends of the roots and towards the trunk, to 

 reader the tree firm in its place, and then with a spade finish fill- 

 ing up with fine earth, which, if dry, should be pressed reasonably 

 firm with the foot, except an inch on the surface, which is to 



