64 PLANTING. 



tended crop, and cause the new position to assimilate 

 as much as possible to the old one. Where the turf 

 is not to be replaced around the stem, it is better to 

 chop it finely and put it in the bottom of the hole, as 

 it seldom settles firmly above the roots. While the 

 tree is held by a boy in an upright position, the 

 planter shakes over its roots some of the finest soil 

 within his reach, and by gently moving it up and 

 down, every crevice is filled. At the same time care 

 should be taken to feather out the roots by hand, to 

 distribute them evenly throughout the whole soil, and 

 put them in their natural positions. This system will 

 place them under the most favourable circumstances 

 for obtaining their regular supply of food, and will be 

 most likely to ensure permanent stability. 



No treading should be allowed except upon very 

 light soils, and even there the operation is better 

 deferred till some days after planting. To stamp 

 heavily upon wet earth or clay immediately it is 

 placed around the roots of trees, is to encase them in 

 an almost impenetrable mass of soil, from which their 

 tender fibres can derive little or no nourishment. 



In situations of great exposure it is a common 

 practice to place the tree in one corner of the dug 

 hole, giving it the support of the unmoved ground on 

 its leeward side. But as in such a case the roots 

 must all be spread out on the opposite side, and will 

 consequently make their most vigorous growth in that 

 direction, while they will be very slow in penetrating 

 the firm soil, the practice is not to be recommended. 

 In the well-trenched nursery grounds it may be ad- 

 visable ; but where, upon very firm soils, holing alone 

 has been the preparation, its advantages are very 

 questionable. 



