20 REFORESTATION IN MASSACHUSETTS. 



where the trees will be set only where there is sufficient soil for 

 the roots to obtain a firm footing, the number of trees may be a 

 few hundred less than on land covered by a good top soil. If the 

 trees are set in rows running from one side of the lot to the 

 other, it will be found quite easy to keep track of the portion 

 which has been set. The distance apart may be very readily 

 determined by making the holes two paces apart, or about 6 

 feet. It is also generally considered best to make a clear plant- 

 ing, rather than to mix varieties. 



Heeling in on Lot. 



Where a large number of trees are to be planted, they should 

 !be heeled in on the lot in a place where there is some protec- 

 tion from the sun ; otherwise, a screen of brush may be put up. 

 It will also be well to choose a spot near a brook or stream, as 

 the seedlings will need to be watered if they become dry before 

 transplanting. After they have been set in their permanent 

 site they will take care of themselves, as to water them when 

 spread out over a large area would be an almost impossible 

 undertaking. 



Method of setting the Trees. 



The most convenient method of setting the trees is for the 

 men to work in pairs, one making the holes and the other plant- 

 ing the trees. The first man with a grub hoe or mattock should 

 strike into the ground (Figs. 15 and 16) and make a small hole, 

 leaving as much as possible of the soil removed where it can 

 be readily used to place around the roots when the tree is 

 set; then he takes two paces and makes another hole. The 

 second man, carrying a pail containing a bunch of seedlings, 

 the roots of which are in a puddle of mud and water always to 

 be kept in the pail, takes a plant and sets it in the hole (Fig. 

 17) at about the same depth as it originally grew, covering the 

 roots with fine soil and firming it down by pressure of the foot 

 (Fig. 18). The men should keep together and work from one 

 side of the lot to the other and then back, the rows being kept 

 about two paces apart. If stakes with flags are placed along 

 the outside row and moved from time to time, it will be much 

 easier to follow the row. One man should superintend from 

 six to eight pairs of men. 



