60 FOEESTEY WORK 



Starting at one end of a bed or break, a trench is taken 

 out of a spade's width and depth and the soil harrowed 

 to the opposite end. The next " spit " of soil is dug over 

 into this, and digging is continued until there is a smooth 

 piece of ground of the required width from the edge of 

 the path — say 12 inches. 



A garden hne is stretched along the bed at this distance, 

 and held in place by pegs every 5 yards or so. 



A narrow trench is then made by inserting the spade 

 vertically along the hne and drawing the soil towards the 

 undug ground. 



The depth of this trench must be as deep as the length of 

 the roots of the plants. The latter may be placed in 

 position by hand or by the aid of a notched seedling 

 pricker. 



When it is done by hand, the plants are held in position 

 with the left hand, and a handful of soil placed against 

 it with the right to keep it in place. This work is usually 

 done by women or boys. 



The diggers then turn the next spit of soil into the- 

 trench, and, when larger plants are being lined out, a 

 slight pressure is given with the foot to firm the plant. 

 Seedlings should be firmed with the fingers, if necessary. 



Digging is then continued until the required width i» 

 again reached, the surface smoothed down with the back 

 of the spade, not patted, and the former operations 

 repeated. 



Care should always be taken to make the trench deep 

 Plough to allow the roots to hang straight down, other- 

 wise the roots are doubled up or bent at right angles^ 



