120 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



frost localities, and where damage by cockchafers is 

 apprehended; in fact for unfavourable localities gene- 

 rally. It is less suited for stony or stiff soils. 



The expense of planting is not high with small ball 

 plants, but increases rapidly with the size of the balls. 



2. Planting without Balls of Earth, 

 a. Planting with Hoe or Spade. 



Preparation of the Planting Hole. After removing 

 any covering which the soil may possess, the pit is made 

 with the hoe, semi-circular or ordinary spade, if necessary 

 with the pick. The size of the hole depends on the 

 extent of the plant's root-system, and the nature of 

 the soil. If the latter be rich and fairly open, the hole 

 need not be larger than the spread of the root-system. 

 On stiif soil the pit may usefully be made somewhat 

 larger and deeper, so as to give an additional amount of 

 working and loosening. On favourable soil the pits may 

 be made immediately before planting ; on unfavourable 

 soil it should be made in the previous autumn, so as to 

 expose the earth to the effects of the winter frosts. 

 The soil taken out of the pit should be placed in two 

 heaps, the good soil being kept separate from the rest. 



Placing the Plant. In placing the plant in the pit, 

 it should be held in such a manner that the root-system 

 may assume a natural position, then the earth is gradually 

 filled in, so as to get well round the rootlets ; first pressed 

 on gently, then somewhat more firmly, and finally pressed 

 down with the foot. The best part of the soil should be 

 brought into contact with the rootlets, and the worst 

 placed on the top. Manure, such as compost, turf 



