STARTING THE ORCHARD 45 



vised, there need be no delay for spreading out and 

 locating the main roots as the amateur commonly does 

 it. The trees do not need to be very thoroughly cov- 

 ered in, because it is expected that the furrows will be 

 promptly rilled by plowing back toward the trees with 

 a steady team. A gang of four men working in this 

 way can readily set 5 to 15 acres of trees a day, de- 

 pending on the number of trees to an acre, the condi- 

 tion of the soil and other factors. It will surprise the 

 man who has not seen it done, too, to see how well 

 the work is performed and how good an alignment is 

 secured. 



When holes are to be dug by hand it is best to use 

 sharp, square-pointed, short-handled spades in hard 

 ground, long-handled spades in medium ground, and 

 long-handled, round-pointed shovels in light, loose or 

 stony ground. Of course different men have their 

 own preferences in this respect, but they will not de- 

 part far from the rule here laid down. There are some 

 special devices for digging the holes, usually more or 

 less oi> the post-auger pattern, but, like patent farm 

 gates, they are of little practical value. 



Especial caution ought to be observed when plant- 

 ing is being done to see that the stock is all on hand, 

 that it is in the field where it is to be used, and that 

 it is in proper condition. The stock should be heeled- 

 in on the borders of the field where it is within easy 

 reach of the planting gang. 



The use of water poured about each tree in plant- 

 ing is hardly to be recommended. It is impracticable 

 in large operations on account of the bother and ex- 

 pense connected with it and it is doubtful if it does 

 any good. At any rate, if the ground is in good con- 

 dition this little irrigation will not be needed. 



