192 



Science of Plant Life 



FIG. 112. By using great care to pre- 

 serve the root system a tree may be 

 transplanted even when in leaf. Some 

 hours before the tree is lifted it is thor- 

 oughly watered in order that the leaves 

 and other parts may have in them as 

 large a supply of water as possible. 



FIG. 113. The long roots are carefully 

 laid bare, leaving a ball of earth close to 

 the trunk of the tree . B ef ore this is done 

 the hole where the tree is to be planted 

 should be made ready. It should be so 

 dug that the tree will not be set deeper 

 than it was in its original location. 



FIG. 114. The roots are wrapped to 

 keep them from drying, and tied to the 

 trunk of the tree. The natural environ- 

 ment of the roots is the moist soil, and it is 

 very important that they be kept moist ; 

 even a few minutes' drying may be fatal 

 to the delicate rootlets. 



FIG. 115. The tree is placed on a sled 

 and securely fastened. It is then hauled 

 to the new location, where the roots are 

 carefully spread out and covered with 

 soil. Fertile topsoil and not the raw 

 subsoil should be used for covering the 

 roots. 



