44 PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. 



cases, they should be moderately dry, as if wet, or 

 packed with very damp moss, or straw, they are liable 

 to grow or to heat, and mould. 



Straw and other coarse material should be distri- 

 buted among the tops, and moss among the roots, 

 separating not only the layers of trees, but, as far as 

 possible, the individual trees and roots from each 

 other. When the transit is by water for a long dis- 

 tance, the moss should be dried, as sufficient humidity 

 will be gathered on the passage ; and the roots should 

 be first dipped in a mortar, composed of clay and 

 water, by which they will receive a coating of earth, 

 which will protect each rootlet from the atmosphere. 



