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SEEDING AND PLANTING 



2. LIFTING NURSERY STOCK FROM SEEDBEDS AND 

 TRANSPLANT BEDS 



The method best to employ in lifting stock depends upon its 

 size, the character of the root system, the density of the stand, 

 and the soil. It should be accomplished by exerting as little strain 

 as possible on the tops of the plants while removing them from the 

 soil. When too much force is applied the ends of the small root- 

 lets are broken off and the cortex on many of the remaining roots 

 loosened and the trees rendered useless. Many of the lateral 

 roots are broken at their union with the main axis and the lower 

 part of the stem is sometimes split. If the beds are dry, they 

 should be thoroughly moistened one or two days preceding the 



