46 FORESTRY 



The work of transplanting is done by means of a trench ; 

 small plants and all tap-rooted species may be set against the 

 perpendicular side of the trench, which must be made deep 

 enough to allow the roots to assume a vertical position. No 

 bending to one side or doubling up of any portion of the 

 roots is permissible. The plant is held in the left hand until 

 soil is pressed against it to keep it*in its place. When a row 

 is thus prepared, the remainder of the soil is returned to the 

 trench and the plants firmed by treading with the foot. 

 Larger plants, and such as have a spreading root system, are 

 better brought into the middle of the trench, where their 

 roots are arranged in their natural form and the earth closely 

 packed about them. 



Space sufficient for free growth should always be given to 

 nursery plants. In this connection it should be remembered 

 that an over-wide distance between the nursery lines does not 

 compensate for the crowding of the plants in the lines them- 

 selves they must have room to all sides. A little additional 

 expenditure, which may be incurred by adopting thorough 

 methods, will eventually justify itself in the production of 

 greatly superior plants. 



At the time of transplanting, any bruised roots and tap- 

 roots of excessive length must be cut off cleanly ; broad- 

 leaved species should have their crowns curtailed in proportion 

 to the reduction of the root system, care being taken at the 

 same time to improve the shape. 



In transplanting " heeled-in " stock in dry weather, it is 

 of much advantage to dip the roots of the plants into liquid 

 mud. This " puddling," as it is called, gives to the delicate 

 rootlets and root-hairs the true absorbents of the plant a 

 protective coat which helps them to resist drying influences. 



By " heeling in " is understood the covering of plants that 

 have been lifted until such time as they may be inserted in 

 the nursery or elsewhere. A trench with a slanting face is 

 dug, preferably in a shaded place ; plants with their roots 

 well puddled are laid closely along this, earth is packed 

 about the roots, and a second row of plants laid against the 



