THE FOREST NURSERY 341 



direction and the roots overlapping those of the first layer. When 

 so placed, the tops should be within a few inches of the other end 

 of the box. Layer after layer is filled in, placing damp moss be- 

 tween the layers where the roots come in contact and also crowd- 

 ing it between the plants and the sides of the box. After the 

 last layer is put in, the exposed roots are covered with moss and 

 finally with a piece of burlap or heavy paper. Two 3-inch cleats 

 are placed crosswise of the box or crate, pressed down upon the 

 plants, and held in place by nails driven in from the sides. Con- 

 siderable pressure should be exerted on the plants in order to pre- 

 vent them from slipping out of place during transport. If the box 

 is more than \\ feet in height, cleats should be put in when the 

 box is half filled and additional ones after filling. Slats with 

 wide openings between are nailed over the top. After marking 

 the box it is ready for shipment. 



10. Packing in Hampers or Baskets. Coniferous forest 

 stock imported into the United States from Europe is usually 

 shipped in large hampers or baskets, woven by hand from beech, 

 willow, and oak sprouts. They have a capacity of from 20 to 50 

 cubic feet and are strong, light, and durable. When available, 

 there is no better receptacle for long and delayed shipments of 

 nursery stock. In filling the baskets, a quantity of damp moss 

 is placed on the bottom and a cylindrical column of wood or 

 twisted hay set upright in the center. The bundles of plants are 

 arranged in layers around this column with the roots toward the 

 center and the tops in contact with the circumference of the 

 basket. Damp moss is placed between the layers of roots. After 

 the basket is filled, the plants are pressed down and a thick layer 

 of damp moss placed over the roots. Burlap is drawn over 

 them and tied to the sides of the basket. The cover is brought 

 down and tied in place, after which the plants are ready for 

 shipment. 



Pettis has practiced the following method in the annual dis- 

 tribution of millions of trees from the Adirondack nurseries 

 to various parts of the State of New York. Large, covered 

 hampers or baskets are taken to the nursery and the stock 

 as lifted is packed in them with the roots turned toward the 

 center of the basket. When the basket is filled the cover is tied 

 down. After drenching with water it is ready for shipment 

 (Fig. 99). 



