t26 TBANSPLANTINO. 



of the tree, do not shake it up and down or swing it ahout, but 

 let it be held firmly in place while the earth is being placed among 

 and over the roots. 



Mulching, by which is meant the spreading of coarse manure, 

 half rotted straw, or any other litter on the ground over the 

 roots of the trees, will be always found of great service in keep- 

 ing the ground cool and moist, and promoting the growth of 

 newly transplanted trees, particularly if the succeeding summer 

 should be hot and dry. There is a substitute for mulching that 

 is perhaps better than a mulch, but in the hurry of summer work 

 it is so sure to be neglected that the planter had better mulch his 

 trees as soon after planting as possible. If, however, he will 

 keep the ground loose and friable around his trees by frequently 

 stirring the surface, and never allow it to become baked and hard, 

 he may safely dispense with mulching. But because it is recom- 

 mended to spread coarse manure on the surface of the groxmd, let 

 it not be therefore inferred that it is ever advisable to place fresh 

 manure in the soil about the roots of the trees. It is very apt to 

 kill newly planted trees, and sure to do more harm than good. 

 If it is thought necessary to enrich the soil, old and perfectly 

 rotted manure may be thoroughly incorporated with it, but tha 

 safer way is to place the manure on the surface, and let its fertir 

 lizing properties be gradually washed down by the rains. It is 

 very seldom that trees which have been carefully taken up, care- 

 fully planted, and well mulched, wiU require any Watebino 

 during the dry summer weather. If it should become necessary, 

 however, to give them water, it should be done thoroughly. A 

 mere moistening of the surface of the ground is worse than none 

 at all. Give enough to penetrate down to where the roots lie 

 and to soak the ground about them thoroughly. And now, if 

 the trees have not been mulched, it should be done immediately, 

 in order to prevent the evaporation of the water that has been 

 given, and the baking and cracking of the earth under the rays 

 of a scorching sun. If no litter can be had with which to 

 mulch, effect the same result by stirring the surface a few hours 

 after the water has been given, and before the sun has baked the 



