STUKSERY PEACTICE. 



125 



can be planted less deeply and then have a mound made 

 around it. Fill in about the roots slowly, being careful 

 (should the tree have a great number of fibrous roots) 

 to work the earth well in among them and under the butt 

 of the tree. Fine soil free from large stones should be 

 used for this purpose. Pack the soil in firmly, if reason- 

 ably dry, with the heels, or, better still, with a rammer, 

 making it as solid as possible around the roots. The 

 object in doing this is to leave no air-spaces about them. 

 It is not a good plan to put water into the hole before 



FIG. 37. Soft Maple not pruned since it was planted out. Liable 

 v to break in its crotches at any time. A bad form. 

 ' FIG. 38. Soft Maple once pruned, showing close head that is not 

 i liable to break down. A good form. 



FIG. 39. Soft Maple several times pruned, preserving a main central 

 axis. A good form. 



the tree is set, but it may be put in when the roots are 

 just covered and allowed to soak away before the re- 

 maining soil is put in. As a rule, however, little is gained 

 by watering if the trees have not leaved out and the 

 moist soil is packed firmly around the roots. Water 

 is most needed after growth starts. 



