, Q 



3d. Filling- up around the tree. With good, 

 rich soil, fill up under, among, around and 

 above the roots, straightening them out with 

 the fingers, and placing them in a fan-like 

 and natural position, being very cautious 

 not to leave any ; even small, hollow places 

 among them. If the root is one-sided, make 

 the most you can of the weaker part. At this 

 stage of the work, if you have patience, it is 

 an excellent plan to make a circular dam 

 around the edge of the hole, and keep it full 

 of water, for a half hour or more. In setting 

 evergreens, this, by some, is deemed almost 

 indispensable, unless the ground is quite 

 moist. Next, put in a little more earth, pres- 

 sing it around the tree with the foot. After 

 this, throw on an inch or so of loose earth, 

 and the work is done. 



Another mode of filling up around the trees, 

 called mudding-in, has proved very success- 

 ful. Make the circular dam around the tree 

 first, or, as soon as it is needed, then let one 

 person slowly sift the soil into the hole upon 

 the roots, while another constantly pours in 

 water, thus keeping the earth in a thin, mud- 

 dy state. This operation will require consid- 



