SETTING THE GROVE. 257 



shovelfuls. Pack the soil well around the roots, spread- 

 ing and straightening ~~\j ~~ 



them out at the right \*^._ ._, ~~~.. rs 



level, as the hole is Fig - 64 - Planting board - 



filled up. Fig. 63 illustrates the best method of planting 

 a tree, and it may be said that the man who will not get 

 down on his knees to plant a tree does not deserve to have 

 it live for him. Trees planted in poor soil will be much 

 benefited by thoroughly incorporating a pound of good 

 commercial fertilizer with the soil before placing it about 

 the roots. The surface and subsoil should be kept sepa- 

 rate, the surface soil to be placed in first, in filling up the 

 hole. Water may be applied when the hole is filled in 

 about three-fourths, and after planting is completed a 

 liberal supply of water, sufficient to establish the capil- 

 lary movement of the soil moisture should be given. In 

 California about half a barrel should be given to each 

 tree. Having applied the water, mulch the surface with 

 grass, leaves or dry dust about the tree, to prevent evapo- 

 ration. In the irrigation districts, apply water every 

 ten or fifteen days until the trees are well established. 



Trees should never be set deeper than they stood in 

 the nursery row. The better plan is to set them higher 

 rather than lower, to allow for settling. They do not 

 do well if planted too deep. 



In the hot, dry districts, the trunks of the young 

 trees should be protected from the rays of the sun to pre- 

 vent sunburn. Thousands of trees are annually destroyed 

 by this cause and many others are so injured that they 

 never afterward make a satisfactory growth. Lath cylin- 

 ders or those made of yucca or paper serve the purpose 

 well. The trunks may be wrapped in paper or straw, or 

 they may be covered with whitewash. 



10 



