440 SEEDING AND PLANTING 



earth is being thrown in, the left hand is gradually raised until 

 the plant is brought to the proper height, i.e., until the collar is 

 brought level with the surface. This operation allows the larger 

 roots to assume a vertical position with their absorbing surface 

 deep in the soil. After the hole is filled with loose earth, the plant 

 is released and both hands thrust deep into the loose soil, one 

 at either side of the stem and about 2 inches from it, the open 

 palms facing the tree (a). The hands are closed in their position 

 in the soil, and the earth compressed horizontally about the upper 

 part of the root system (6). The hands are removed, leaving an 

 elevated mass of earth with empty spaces at either side (c) . These 

 are filled with earth and the closed fists brought down upon them, 

 pressing the soil vertically. This firms the soil about the lower 

 parts of the root system (d). Care should be taken not to apply 

 the downward pressure too near the stem so that the tree is dis- 

 turbed in its position in the soil. The hollows left by the down- 

 ward pressure are later filled with soil. Loose earth should then 

 be scattered about the plant. 



Only well-developed, thrifty nursery plants should be used, 

 and the soil should be in suitable condition as to soil moisture. 

 Experience has demonstrated that when this method is properly 

 executed it results in a healthy and vigorous plantation. It de- 

 mands that the root system be handled with great care in lifting 

 and transplanting the stock. The trees develop in a uniformly 

 pressed soil which stimulates the capillary movement of water, 

 and the loose earth at the top retards evaporation. Some ex- 

 perience is required on the part of the workman before rapid 

 planting can be attained. Under average conditions with ex- 

 perienced labor, a single workman will set from 200 to 300 plants 

 per day, including the digging of the holes. On adverse sites when 

 ordinary planting methods have resulted in excessive loss, this 

 method has met with considerable favor in Austria. 



25. SPLETTSTOSSER'S PLANTING METHOD 



This method is of recent German origin. It has been used w r ith 

 success in planting 1- and 2-year pine and deep-rooted broad- 

 leaved species like oak. It was devised by Splettstosser l to over- 

 come the disadvantages of slit-planting and dibble-planting and, 



1 Splettstosser, Forstmeister: Einfluss unserer Kulturmethoden auf das 

 Absterben der Kiefer. (Zeitschrift f. Forst- u. Jagdwesen, S. 689-711. 1908.) 



