104 FOREST PLANTING. 



injury either to the stem or the roots in loading or un- 

 loading it. 



The most important point is the lifting of the tree in 

 such a manner as to minimise injury to the roots. The 

 operation should be conducted in the same way as that of 

 preparing, already described. Begin by opening a trench 

 at the same point as was opened for preparing, and work 

 in a circle round the tree. After the trench is opened 

 use forks only and use them with great caution 

 among the roots to prevent their destruction. Clear 

 away the earth loosened by the fork with spade or shovel, 

 so as to keep the trench clear, and prevent the roots 

 being covered or entangled with it till a solid ball is 

 reached a little way from the stem all round. It is de- 

 sirable to keep this ball of earth and roots intact, and at 

 this point the fibrous roots liberated from the soil in ex- 

 cavating should be tied up in bundles and laid conven- 

 iently over the ball. What remains to be done, in order 

 to liberate the tree, is to excavate under the ball all round, 

 so that it may be drawn by ropes attached to its top to 

 one side or the other. The ball is then to be bound 

 firmly up in mats, secured in such a way as that it may 

 be safely transported any reasonable distance without 

 breaking to pieces. 



When taken to its new position, the pit in which it is 

 to be planted should be examined to ascertain that it is 

 quite large enough to allow of the roots being spread 

 out straight. There should be no doubling of them back 

 to accomodate them. Badly injured portions should be 

 cut away with a sharp knife, as they are spread out, and 

 the finest of the soil sprinkled over them. Let there be 

 no treading in of the soil, but use water copiously in- 

 stead. Water will fill in all hollows and cavities in the 

 soil in a more perfect manner than treading, and also 

 leave the soil in a thoroughly genial condition for 

 the roots. A mulch of straw, litter or leaves placed 





