ESTABLISHING FORESTS BY PLANTING 



441 



at the same time, permit the plants to be set at comparatively 

 low cost on uncultivated soil. 



Three separate tools are required in planting by this method: 

 namely, the borer, the plant holder, and the tamper. The borer 

 is about 3 feet long with a cylindrical boring base in two parts 

 that open by a movement of the handles (Fig. 139). The latter 

 work like a pair of scissors. The diameter of the cylinder is from 

 4 to 8 inches, depending upon the size of the trees to be planted. 

 The tool is applied vertically to the soil with a boring motion. It 

 is turned several times to the right, only a small amount of force 





FIG. 139. Splettstosser's planting borer. 

 A. Closed. B. Opened. 



being required. The hole is made as deep but not deeper than 

 the length of root of the tree to be planted. When the desired 

 depth is reached, the borer is removed with the contained soil, 

 which by a movement of the handles is released in a compact pile 

 by the side of the hole. The plant holder insures the proper depth 

 of planting and the setting of the plant in the center of the hole. 

 When the holder is not used, the plant is held in the left hand while 

 the earth is brought in about the roots with the right. When the 

 holder is used, both hands are free to bring in the filling soil and 

 firm it about the roots. The planting hole is so narrow in pro- 

 portion to its depth that a special firming tool is used in firming 

 the soil. This tool is made of iron with the exception of the 

 handle which is of wood. After the hole is partially filled, the 

 tamper is used to firm the soil close to the wall of the hole, leaving 



