106 FOREST PLAXTIXG 



very deep, unless for a tree with a tap-root ; it may even 

 be hurtful in a hard soil by affording a place to hold water 

 under a tree to its injury. The roots of young trees grow 

 near the surface, and the holes should be large enough 

 to allow the roots to be extended their full length with- 

 out cramping or bending. 



In case it is very dry at the time of planting, it is a good 

 plan to puddle (see page 97) the soil around the roots, 

 always covering with dry earth. In this way moisture 

 will be retained for a long time. Avoid too deep plant- 

 ing. The roots must not be placed beyond the action of 

 the air ; about the depth they were in before removed, or 

 a very little deeper. (We would say " higher," instead 

 of deeper. See the remarks on page 100, sub. 3.) When 

 rilling, press the earth from the first firmly, so as to leave no 

 spaces, and have it compact about the roots. This latter 

 point cannot be too thoroughly attended to, and, of course, 

 to do this well, the soil must be finely pulverized and no 

 lumps be allowed in the filling. It will be necessary to 

 use the hand to place the soil in spaces where the spade 

 cannot go. 



The time of setting is best when the soil has settled in 

 the Spring and become warm, so that trees not being re- 

 moved begin to start. Earlier than this is not so well, 

 for the sooner the tree begins to grow after being set, the 

 more likely to do well. We believe the proper time is 

 the Spring, the best time for planting all kinds of trees, 

 although early Fall planting is often recommended. 

 Evergreens often succeed well planted in August ; still 

 we would rather risk them in the Spring, just as they are 

 ready to grow. Evergreens are the most sensitive of any 

 to drying while being removed, and if once allowed to 

 become dry it is all-day with them ; no amount of pains 

 or trouble can restore the lost vitality. For this reason 

 they can be removed but short distances, unless very care- 

 fully packed. 



