PIT PLANTING 117 



inches wide, and 10 to 12 inches deep. If there be a soil 

 covering of turf, it should be removed in two thin slices, and 

 placed on one side. This is most easily done with a specially 

 made spade, or iron, the exact width of the holes, with the 

 blade set on at an angle to the shaft. After the turf is taken 

 off, the holes are got out with a spade, using also a pick-axe 

 if necessary ; the earth should be placed on the other side 

 of the hole to that where the turf was put. 



When the time arrives for planting, each tree requires a 

 man and a boy to plant it, if it is to be properly done ; one 

 man, single-handed, cannot possibly plant any considerable 

 quantity of trees in pits. A boy should hold the tree in the 

 centre of the hole, whilst the man fills in the hole. When a 

 little of the finest earth has been filled in, the boy should 

 give the tree a gentle shake, so as to cause the earth to fall 

 in between the rootlets, and at the same time he should 

 gently draw it up, so that the " neck " of the tree is slightly 

 above the level of the ground. Then the rest of the earth 

 should be filled in and firmly trodden in by the man, but 

 in doing so, he must take very great care not to injure the 

 bark of the young tree with his boots. Also, the very 

 greatest care must be taken to insure that, when finally 

 planted, the tree stands exactly the same distance out of 

 the ground as -when in the nursery. If planted too deep, 

 the tree will never thrive ; especially is this the case with 

 Spruce and other conifers. When the planting is finished, 

 the two pieces of turf should be placed, face downwards, on 

 each side of the tree. The practice of putting the turf at 

 the bottom of the hole must be condemned, as raw turf is 

 apt to heat ; and on the other hand, its effects, when placed 

 on the surface, are most beneficial as evaporation of moisture 

 is retarded. 



The cost of making the pits will be about i8s. 

 to 2os. per 1000; but of course a great deal depends on 

 the soil. The cost of planting the trees will be about 93. 

 to i os. a 1000. However, the pits will not cost more than 

 153. or i /s. per 1000, if the land has been previously 

 ploughed. 



