mix with the soil a few spadefuls of stable manure. The manure 

 should be well rotted. It must be thoroughly mixed with the soil. 

 Such fertilization, where it can be done, will help the tree con- 

 siderably. 



Planting the Tree. 



If possible planting should be done on a cool, cloudy day. The 

 hole should be refilled to within three inches of the surface, re- 

 serving the best soil to pack around the tree. The soil should be 

 tramped lightly with the feet, leaving an opening in the center 

 of the hole large enough to hold the tree. The tree seedling is 

 to be placed in the soil just as it is received from the nursery, 

 without removing it from the paper pot. After the tree has been 

 placed in position and the good soil packed around it, the soil 

 shoould be tramped again, until it is properly firmed. Care should 

 be taken not to plant too deep. The tree should be planted about 

 one inch deeper than it was in the nursery and the surface of the 

 ground around the tree should be almost level when the planting 

 is finished. In ordinary situations a slight depression around the 

 tree to prevent the water running away when the tree is irrigated 

 is all that is required. In wet districts it is sometimes better to 

 grade the earth so that the water will not collect around the tree. 

 Water should not be applied until after the tree is planted, then 

 half a bucketful may be gently poured on, wetting the soil im- 

 mediately around the tree. If there are frequent showers no 

 further watering will be necessary. 



Care of Trees After Planting. 



Important as the process of planting is, much more defends 

 upon the after treatment. In many places cultivation is absolutely 

 essential and nearly everywhere a tree will thrive better and grow 

 faster during its early years with cultivation than without it. 

 The purposes of cultivation are mainly to protect the young tree 

 from the encroachment of weeds and grass, to keep the soil about 

 it in good condition and to retain the moisture. If planted in a 

 dry time the tree should, if possible, be watered. This should be 

 done by giving a good soaking once every two days for two or 



