156 MANAGEMENT OF NURSERIES. 



sand miles or more, as fresh, plump, healthy, and uninjured, 

 as the moment they were lifted from the mellow soil; and 

 they are sometimes packed so as to become bruised, barked, 

 and hopelessly shrivelled before they have travelled a tenth 

 part of that distance. 



Whether encased in bundles or boxes, it is absolutely es- 

 sential that trees be protected from bruising, and that the 

 roots be kept constantly moist from the moment they are dug 

 up till they reach their destination. The first-named object 

 is accomplished by sprinkling straw through every portion of 

 the mass of trees; and the latter by first dipping the roots in 

 an artificial bed of thin mud, and then imbedding them in 

 damp moss. The mud or the moss alone may answer for very 

 short distances (the moss should, however, never be omitted) ; 

 but as there are frequently unexpected detentions, the best 

 nurserymen always pack about as well for a journey of fifty 

 miles as for two thousand. The additional labor is but small 

 the benefit may be great. 



Packing in boxes, which is always best for long distances, 

 does not require so much practice, although as much care, as 

 in bundles. If the trees are all well encased in straw, or prop- 

 erly protected by it on every side and through every part ; 

 the roots shieded from the dry air as already stated ; and suffi- 

 cient pressure given to them to prevent chafing and rattling, 

 they cannot become easily injured. The boxes need the 

 additional strength of iron hoops at the ends and, if eight or 

 ten feet long or more, at intervals between. 



To pack a bundle or bale, first provide two simple blocks of 

 wood, like that shown - in Fig. 207, into which two diverging 

 stakes are inserted, loosely, so as to be withdrawn easily. 

 Place these a few feet apart, to form the trough 

 for building the bundle. Lay the trees in this 

 trough, perfectly parallel, and with the roots 

 together, sprinkling straw among the stems 

 and branches, and damp moss among the roots 

 as the bundle progresses, until enough are ready. Fifty me- 

 dium-sized trees will makea fair-sized bundle. Then tie it up 

 with twisted-straw or willow bands, as tightly as one man 

 can conveniently draw. This may be facilitated by using first 

 a broad leather strap to draw the bundle together. The strap 



