CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR PLANTING. 293 



would forbid the work being performed in the 

 autumn. If strong winds prevail, the newly-planted 

 tree will be thrown about, loosening the roots in 

 the soil, and preventing the formation of rootlets by 

 the constant strain which is made upon it in main- 

 taining its position. Trees planted at this season 

 should always be protected by a mound of earth 

 around their base, made hard by the foot or spade ; 

 and if a stake is added, it will afford a still better 

 support. 



The condition of the soil most favorable to plant- 

 ing, is when it is not wet, so as to be clammy or ad- 

 hesive, but dry and friable. If the sky should be 

 overcast, so much the better, as the roots will not 

 be as likely to become dry. Strong wind is very 

 unfavorable, as it dries the fibres, and hinders the 

 planter from performing his work thoroughly. If 

 the soil is wet, it cannot be placed suitably between 

 the roots. 



No matter what care the nurseryman may exercise, 

 it will be impossible to retain all the roots, as in 

 the preceding diagram, as well as in the chapter 

 upon fertilization, it is shown to what length they 

 grow. When they are to be set, therefore, the ends 

 of the roots and all bruised parts should be pared 

 with a sharp knife, that the wound may be smooth. 

 The cut should, if possible, be made from beneath, 

 so that it will rest upon the earth when the tree is 

 upright. The benefit of this operation is, that the 

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