15 



both feet on the ground around the tree, and the operation is com- 

 plete, taking not more than half a minute in all. A number of seed- 

 lings can be carried in a bucket partially filled with water, or in a 

 basket \vith a wet cloth covering the roots. The remainder of the 

 stock should be left heeled in until needed. By this method a thou- 

 sand trees can be set much more quickly than by the orthodox method 

 of digging a hole, spreading the roots out, filling in with fine dirt by 

 hand, and finally mulching; and with good soil and moisture con- 

 ditions it is very successful. The writer set out over 500 yearling 

 honey locusts in this manner on March 31, 1903. They were nicely 

 started when frozen back by the snowstorm of April 29, in spite of 

 which all but three lived, and made an average height growth of 3 

 feet during the season. Similar results have been obtained with 

 black locust, cottonwood, ash, elm, and mulberry. 



Another rapid method is to plow a furrow where the row of trees 

 is wanted, lay them against the side of it, cover with a hoe, and tramp 

 firmly. The remaining dirt may be thrown into the furrow with a 

 cultivator. Of course it should be distinctly understood that these 

 methods are only for common broadleaf seedlings when the right con- 

 ditions exist, and are likely to fail elsewhere. 



For large trees much more care is necessary. Little top should be 

 left a heavy mass of foliage will transpire more Avater than the roots 

 can supply at the start. Bruised or broken roots should be cut off 

 clean. The roots should be well arranged in the hole and the dirt sol- 

 idly tramped about them. Unless the earth comes into close contact 

 with the roots the air will get in and dry out both soil and roots and 

 the trees will die. If the setting is done in a dry time, water and pud- 

 dling are necessary. A good way to water is to have the hole nearly 

 filled with fine, firm dirt, then pour on the water and cover with dry 

 soil. This prevents baking and evaporation. 



Trees should be set so that when the ground settles into permanent 

 shape the roots will be covered to the same depth as before transplant- 

 ing. This means setting 2 or 3 inches below the " collar." 



It is a good practice to set deep enough so that when the operation 

 is completed the trees will stand in a shallow depression. This will 

 catch the rain and materially increase the chances of success in a dry 

 season. 



An essential requisite in planting is suitable weather. Occasionally 

 there are springs in western Kansas when it is altogether useless to 

 set trees unless water can be supplied whenever needed. The planter 

 who raises his own seedlings can take advantage of favorable condi- 

 tions, have his trees perfectly fresh, and set when he pleases, or even 

 let them wait until another season. 



[Cir. 161.] 



