70 RuTA Baga cclture. [Part I. 



But, the fact is, that unless great pains be taken, there 

 will be many cavities in the hole where the tree is 

 planted ; and, in whatever places the earth does not 

 closely touch the root, the root will mould, become can- 

 kered, and will lead to the producing of a poor tree. 



85. When I began transplanting in fields in Eng- 

 land, I had infinite difficulty in making my planters 

 attend to the directions, M'hich I have here given. " The 

 point of the stick to the point of the root!" was my 

 constant cry. As I could not be much with m}' Mork- 

 people, I used, in order to try whether they had planted 

 properly, to go after them, and now-and-then take 

 the tip of a leaf between my finger and thumb. If the 

 plant resisted the pull, so as for the bit of leaf to come 

 away, I was sjire that the plant was well fixed ; but, 

 if the pull brought up the plant out of the ground ; then 

 I was sure, that the planting was not Avell done. After 

 the first field or two, I had no trouble. My work was as 

 well done, as if the whole had been done by myself. 

 IMy planting was done chiefly by young ivomen, each 

 of whom would plant half an acre a day, and their pay 

 was ten-pence sterling a day. What a, shame, then, for 

 any inaii to shrink at the trouble and labour of such a 

 matter ! Nor, let it be imagined, that these young wo- 

 men were poor, miserable, ragged, squalid creatures. 

 They were just the contrary. On a Sunday the}- ap- 

 peared in their ivhite dresses, and Avith silk umbrellas 

 over their heads. Their constant labour afforded the 

 means of dressing M-ell, their early rising and exercise 

 gave them health, their habitual cleanliness and neat- 

 ness, for which the women of the Soutli of England ai-e 

 so justly famed, served to aid in the completing of their 

 appearance, which Mas that of fine rosy-cheeked coun- 

 try-girls, fit to be tlie helpmates, and not the burdens, 

 of their future husbands. 



86. But, at any rate, v.hat can be said for a 7nan that 

 thinks too much of such a piece of labour ? The earth 

 is always grateful ; but it mast and will have something 

 to be grateful for. As far as my little experience has 

 enabled me to speak, I find no want of willingness to 

 learn in any of the American workmen. Ours, in Eng- 

 land, are apt to be very obstinate, especially if get- 



