126 COME INTO THE GARDEN 



of waiting for it to settle itself, establishing by 

 so doing close contact all around the feeding 

 roots. While this tamping and filling in is being 

 done, the specimen should be continually jolted 

 lightly up and down to induce further settling 

 of the earth into obscure pockets and under- 

 neath and around roots that are beyond reach. 

 Thus gradually it will sift into place, if the work 

 is not hurried or slighted, and an almost com- 

 plete restoration of the plant to its original con- 

 dition will be accomplished. 



As soon as roots are covered and the plant 

 is fixed, the delicate part of the operation is 

 done. The earth should continually be firmed, 

 however, as it is thrown in, by treading it down, 

 until only a saucer-like depression over the en- 

 tire hole remains. Stop right here and fill this 

 with water. It may take a pailful, perhaps 

 less; more is hardly necessary, although it will 

 do no harm. Pour it in around the edges, 

 gently, so the earth will not be washed back 

 or to one side, and let it have time to settle 

 gradually. When it has all disappeared, fill in 

 the remaining earth, not packing it, however, 

 save with slaps of the shovel broadside. Leave 

 at the last a half inch sprinkling of loose earth 

 on top as a dust mulch to retain moisture. 



This completes the actual planting; the sea- 



