438 



23. CONE PLANTING METHOD 



In the cone planting method (Fig. 137) the planting hole is 

 made in the ordinary way with the spade or grub-hoe, the earth 

 being piled at the side. 1 The planter takes the plant in his left 

 hand and with the right builds a small cone-shaped mound in the 



FIG. 137. Cone planting method. 



bottom of the hole (6). For this purpose only the best soil is 

 used. A trowel is sometimes used to build the mound. The plant 

 is brought down over the mound and the roots extended over its 

 surface, the right hand being used to arrange them. By means 

 of a trowel, or hand hoe, or with the bare hand, more of the best 

 filling earth is now brought over the roots (a), then the remainder 

 of the soil (c) is added and the whole thoroughly firmed down with 

 the feet. Moss, litter, or stones can be advantageously brought 

 over the filling soil after it has been firmed down. This method 

 is adapted only for plants with spreading and shallow roots. It 

 is an excellent method for planting spruce and permits of mod- 

 erately rapid execution. 2 An experienced workman should pre- 

 pare the holes and set from 200 to 400 plants per day, depending 

 upon their size. The chief advantages of this method are the 

 better disposition of the roots in the soil and the bringing of the 

 best filling soil into contact with them. 



This method has been used with success in planting under the 



1 Bates, C. G. and Pierce, R. G.: Reforestation of the sand hills of Nebraska 

 and Kansas. (U. S. Forest Service, Bui. 121, p. 41. 1913.) 



2 Heyer, Carl: Der Waldbau oder die Forstproduktenzucht. 5. Aufl., 

 1. Bd., S. 336. Leipzig, 1906. 



