VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



31 



separated from one another. When the plants have been removed to the 

 field sprinkle them lightly with water to prevent too great loss of moisture 

 by transpiration, and keep the roots sheltered from the heat of the sun. In 

 the case of well-grown leafy plants such, for instance, as cabbages -it is 

 advisable to cut or twist off about one-third of the leaf-ends before planting, 

 so that too great demand will not be made upon the roots while they are 

 establishing themselves. If the soil that is to receive the plants is dry, each 

 plant should receive a quantity of water when Joeing set out. 



The best tool for transplanting is a dibber, which is simply a short, pointed 

 hardwood stick of a little more than the thickness of a broom-handle, and ft 

 or 7 inches long. When pressed into the soil a hole is made, into which the. 

 roots of the young plants are put. The soil is then tightly pressed down 

 with the fingers or dibber, and the surface subsequently loosened to form a 

 mulch. The plants should be planted deep enough to ensure the roots 

 coming in contact with moist earth, and in summer it is best to plant a little 

 deeper than was the case in the seed-boxes. When planting large areas the 

 work is expedited if the workers are divided into teams of three two 

 planting and one dropping the plants just ahead of the two planters. Spread 

 out the roots of the young plants so that they will come in contact with as 

 much soil as possible. Machines for planting vegetables have been used in 

 this State, but do not appear to have created a favourable impression. 



A Crop of Broad Beans in an Orchard. 



