THE ELM. 



105 



more effect than those fibres that are connected 

 with the more extended roots. 



The most handsome and thriving trees are se- 

 lected, as those that will bear transplantation with the 

 least danger; and the lateral roots being divided, 

 as has been stated, the stumps are covered with fresh 

 mould, in which they are left for two or three years, 

 in order that they may put out new fibres for the 

 absorption of nourishment. This preparation of the 

 tree actually improves it; as the fibres have to fetch 

 the nourishment from a shorter distance. The tree, 

 being thus prepared, can be moved not only without 

 mutilating the top, but also without tearing up the root; 

 and thus the transplanting, if performed with skill, be- 

 comes a healthful rather than a dangerous operation. 

 The pits for the reception of the trees are, in the mean 

 time, got ready; and for trees of about thirty feet in 

 height (the diameter of the trunk of such a tree may 

 average about a foot), the diameter of these pits is 

 about eighteen feet. The earth of the pits is trenched 

 to the depth of about two feet, and in the course of 

 the trenching, it is well mixed with compost of a nature 

 as different as possible from that of the soil; and 

 the ground thus prepared is the better if it lie for a 

 year or more, in order that the component parts of 

 the soil may be properly mixed and mellowed. 

 When that has been done, the planting is accom- 

 plished, by removing the earth to a proper depth, 

 placing the tree in the pit thus made for it, adjusting 

 the roots as nearly as possible to their natural order, 

 and then covering them with earth. This being 

 properly accomplished, the firmness which the trees 

 have is much greater than would at first sight be 

 suspected. Though the trees hi Allanton park are 

 a good deal exposed to the violence of the winds, yet 

 they do not require to be much propped. 



The expense of this system of transplantation is 



