442 SEEDING AND PLANTING 



the soil in the center somewhat loose. A second tamping is done 

 when the hole is nearly filled, and after filling the soil is firmed 

 with the hands. 



Although the above appears to be a complicated procedure, 

 when adequate precision is attained in all parts of the manipu- 

 lation not only are the trees well planted but the work is rapid. 

 Kranold reports the experience in 74 plantations in West Prussia 

 where the cost of making the holes and setting the plants was 

 from $0.21 to $1.23 per thousand plants. Based upon wages in 

 the United States the cost should not exceed from $0.85 to $4.50 

 per thousand. 



An experienced workman can make 180 holes per hour on open, 

 sandy soil free from stones and grass. The work slows down 

 rapidly with adverse cover and soil conditions. The method is 

 impractical on sod and on heavy loam and clay soils. Under 

 ordinary conditions 1 workman will make the holes as fast as 

 2 can plant. Although this method of planting has not been 

 practiced in the United States, it has been favorably received by 

 many European foresters. Moller 1 states that unquestionably it is 

 technically perfect and approaches as near as possible the ideal of pine 

 planting. Its most significant advantage is the cheapness of its work. 



The tool is made in three sizes which bore holes about 4, 6, and 

 8 inches in diameter. A hole 4 inches in diameter is large enough 

 for 1- and 2-year seedling pine. The larger tools are required 

 for transplants. 



26. OBLIQUE PLANTING 



Oblique planting has been practiced to some extent in Europe 

 but not in the United States. In this method of planting the 

 trees are set at an angle of from 30 to 60 degrees from the ver- 

 tical. As usually practiced, an oblique opening is made in the 

 soil with an iron bar or planting iron, the plant inserted, and the 

 opening closed with the feet. Prouve's planting iron is used 

 chiefly for making the opening (Fig. 140). The chief advantage 

 in this method of planting is the ease and thoroughness with 

 which the soil is firmed about the roots. The chief^obj^ctions are 

 the shallowness with which the plants are set and the sloping 

 position Vf the young trees. Oblique planting permits the plant- 



1 Moller, A. : Versuch zur Bewertung von Kiefernpflanzmethoden. (Zeit- 

 schrift f. Forst- u. Jagdwesen. S. 629-633. 1910.) 



