312 SEEDING AND PLANTING 



44. Transplanting Methods. Various methods have been 

 developed for " pricking out" or transplanting young trees. All 

 methods may be classed under the following heads: 



a. Hole or pit transplanting. 



6. Trench or furrow transplanting. 



Under the former a separate opening is made in the soil for each 

 plant. Under the latter many plants are set out at one time in a 

 common trench or furrow. 



45. HOLE OR PIT TRANSPLANTING. This method is most use- 

 ful in transplanting large stock, particularly hardwood species 

 and conifers that are transplanted for the second time. A plant- 

 ing line is stretched lengthwise of the transplant bed. Wire makes 

 an excellent planting line as it does not stretch. The planting 

 intervals are marked on this line or are judged by the eye. The 

 planters open holes at the desired intervals and set the plants by 

 hand. The tool used depends upon the size and form of the plants, 

 particularly the roots. The openings for the insertion of plants like 

 oak, chestnut, and hickory that have long tap roots and few weak 

 laterals are often made with a planting staff or similar implement. 



The hole or pit method is also used in many nurseries for trans- 

 planting small stock such as 1- and 2-year conifers. In plant- 

 ing small stock a board is often used in the place of a planting line 

 as a guide in setting the plants. When the transplant beds are 

 6 feet wide the board is 3 inches longer than the width of the bed. 

 Two 3-inch pegs are inserted on the under face of the board to 

 prevent it from slipping when placed on the ground. The width 

 of the board depends upon the spacing of the rows. When 6 inches 

 apart, the board should be 5 inches wide. Notches are cut oppo- 

 site each other on both edges of the board at 1|-, 2-, or 3-inch in- 

 tervals, depending upon the spacing of the plants in the row. A 

 line is stretched along one side of the bed and the board is placed 

 at the end of the bed with one end against the line and at right 

 angles to it. After the row is planted the board is moved along 

 and another row planted, the work proceeding in like manner 

 until the bed is filled. If care is taken to keep the end of the 

 board against the line and at right angles to it, the plants will be 

 in straight lines in both directions (Fig. 79). 



Pettis 1 states that 2 workmen, 1 at each end of the board, 



1 Pettis, C. R.: How to grow and plant conifers in the northeastern states. 

 (U. S. Forest Service, Bui. 76, p. 21. 1909.) 



