REMOVAL OF LARGE TREES 143 



it, as it is difficult and cumbersome to handle, and 

 in the hands of novices is liable to cause serious 

 accidents. 



Where no transplanting machine exists, other 

 mechanical contrivances must be used to move a 

 large tree. Rollers and planks, a low trolley, or a 

 draw-board, as it is called, are the best. The 

 preparation for removal is the same for these means 

 as it is for a machine, with the exception of getting 

 under it, which varies according to the means em- 

 ployed. For rollers and planks the soil should be 

 worked out directly under the centre of the ball, and 

 planks put through to form a bed to run the shrub 

 or tree on. On these a roller should be placed, 

 working the soil out at the sides so that it is well 

 under the ball, but not going so far under as to 

 undermine it, and cause it to drop over. Above the 

 roller put one wide plank to form the bottom of the 

 ball, and by means of a rope round it the whole can 

 be taken where required. When moving it, however, 

 it is well to raise the rear half by means of a broad 

 lever or a lifting-jack, which, in conjunction with a 

 steady pull on the rope, should start the plant com- 

 fortably on its journey. 



When a low trolley is used the ball of soil must 

 be firm, and not liable to break to pieces when 

 handled with reasonable care. Having cut out the 

 ball to the required depth, work under it all round, 

 merely leaving enough in the centre to support it. If 

 possible, work off some of the upper soil to decrease 

 the weight, but this depends entirely upon the roots, 



