34 A TREATISE ON NUT CULTURE. 



among the roots; fill the trench partly full, and press firmly with the feet; then 

 fill up level with the top of the ground and press again with the feet and cover 

 with loose dirt. Trees thus " heeled in " will keep in good condition a long 

 time. Do not cover with litter or straw, as it will make harbor for mice during 

 winter. 



If frozen when received, bury the package, unopened, in well-drained 

 ground, or place in a cool cellar so that it will thaw out slowly and gradually 

 without being exposed to the air. 



If they should appear dry or shriveled when received, through delay in 

 transit or any other cause, take them from the package and plunge into a tub 

 of water, or bury the roots in the ground in an inclining position, so as to 

 cover one-half or more of the tops with the earth, and thoroughly soak with 

 water and let it remain for twenty-four hours or more until they regain their 

 fresh, plump appearance, when they may be planted. 



Planting; D *S the holes wide enough to admit the roots in their 



natural position, without cramping, and deep enough 



to allow the tree to stand the same depth it stood in the nursery; throw the 

 surface and subsoil in separate piles; cut off smoothly from the underside all 

 broken or bruised roots and cut back the past season's growth of top one-half 

 to two-thirds, leaving two or threa good buds to each branch- -except for Fall 

 planting in cold climates, when it is best to defer top-pruning until Spring, 

 just before the buds start. At all times keep the roots carefully pro- 

 tected from the sun and wind. Place the tree in the hole; fill in with fine 

 surface soil, working it in and among the roots, placing them out in their 

 natural position; when hole is half full, pour in a little water and press firmly 

 with the foot, filling all cavities and air space with earth so that it will come in 

 contact with all the roots; continue to fill up and keep pressed until the hole 

 is full, when it should be covered with loose dirt to prevent baking, being care- 

 ful not to get too deep. 



Never OUt anv ^ ^tle Bone Dust or good rich soil is best in the 



manure in the bottom of the hole and the fertilizers applied to the 



holes surface and worked ill. A covering of coarse manure, 



straw, litter, hay, or even stones the first season, will 



retain the moisture, prevent injury from drouth, and be of great benefit during 

 dry season. 



