done. This method will add considerably to the growth of the 

 trees. It will pay to plow every piece of land that can possibly 

 be plowed before planting. 



Where it is not feasible to prepare the land by plowing, holes 

 must be dug. In ordinary cases holes dug from 12 to 15 inches 

 square and a foot deep, with the soil loosened up in the bottom is 

 generally sufficient for forest planting in these islands. Excep- 

 tional cases however make it practical to use larger or smaller 

 holes as conditions vary. When the soil is free and can be easily 

 dug with the spade, even a smaller hole than the one mentioned 

 would be sufficient, but where the soil is hard and stiff and re- 

 quires a pick to loosen it up, it will pay to make a larger hole ; 

 even two feet square and 18 to 20 inches deep is not too large in 

 such cases. 



In very dry districts it is advisable to leave a space around the 

 tree after it has been planted, a little lower than the surrounding 

 ground, so that the tree may have the benefit of whatever mois- 

 ture may collect. In wet districts the soil around the tree after it 

 is planted should be left a little higher than the surrounding 

 ground so that the water may run off and not remain stagnant 

 around the tree. 



Planting. 



In planting out great care should be taken to prevent the tender 

 roots from being exposed to the air. As much soil as possible 

 ought to remain intact. around the roots. After the plant is set 

 the soil around it should be thoroughly firmed. If possible plant 

 on a dull or showery day. 



A very general mistake in tree planting is to plant too deep. It 

 must be remembered that the best soil is generally at or near the 

 surface and that the tender roots of the young plant will take 

 more kindly to it than to the often sour and poor subsoil to be 

 found a little deeper. When digging the hole the best soil should 

 be put to one side and used around the roots of the tree when 

 planting. 



After planting, hoeing and cleaning away the grass and weeds 

 is necessary until the young trees get well above the grass or 



