72 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY 



over them for a shade. It is better yet to dig the ditch where 

 there is shade. 



Just before planting, the roots should be thoroughly puddled, 

 that is, dipped in a thick mud. For this a mixture of clay and 

 loam is preferable, of such consistency that it will stick to the 

 roots but will not harden on them, in case of a prolonged drought. 

 The plants should be carried to their destination either in pails 

 half filled with a mixture of mud and water or in baskets with 

 plenty of wet sphagnum moss to cover their roots. 



Fig. 22. Xursery beds of 2-year-old pine-seedlings. 



Forest planting usually is done in the spring, preferably as soon 

 as the ground is free from frost. The planting season lasts for a 

 period of four to six weeks until the spring rains are over and 

 vigorous growth on the young plants has begun. Fall planting 

 is sometimes practiced. The fall droughts experienced in parts 

 of the east are a serious drawback to planting at this time of 

 year. Where open winters with a scanty cover of snow are the 

 rule, excessive loss from heaving by the frosts results from fall 

 planting. 



An important consideration is the size of the plants with which 

 the plantation is established. A small, inexpensive plant is 



