FORMATION OF PLANTATIONS 



the pits need not be so large. When opening 

 the pits the grassy surface, if such is present, 

 should first be removed and placed on one side, 

 the soil being heaped on the other, for ease 

 and convenience in planting. Before plant- 

 ing, the surface turf is placed in the bottom 

 of the pit, and after being broken with a spade 

 is covered with a few inches of fine soil , so as 

 to make the pit of the required depth. The 

 plants are then inserted, and as a further 

 supply of soil is being added, they are gently 

 moved to and fro and placed in an erect posi- 

 tion before the operation of planting is com- 

 pleted. 



The soil must be trodden firm amongst the 

 roots, and when planted the young tree may 

 stand about an inch deeper in the soil than 

 when in the nursery border. The distance 

 apart at which young trees may be planted will 

 depend greatly on the situation and size of 

 plants, but from 3 feet to 4 feet is a good 

 average. In all cases the pits should be 

 opened some time before planting is engaged 

 in; indeed, where the soil is stiff or otherwise 



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