Management of Nurseries. 141 



Whether encased in bundles or boxes, it is absolutely essential 

 that trees be protected from bruising, and that the roots be kept 

 constantly moist from the moment they are dug up, till they reach 

 their destination. The first named object is accomplished by sprin- 

 kling straw through every portion of the mass of trees ; and the lat- 

 ter by first dipping the roots in an artificial bed of thin mud, and 

 then imbedding them in damp moss. The mud or the moss alone 

 may answer for very short distances (the moss should, however, 

 never be omitted) ; but as there are frequently unexpected deten- 

 tions, the best nurserymen always pack about as well for a journey 

 of fifty miles as for two thousand. The additional labor is but 

 small the benefit may be great. 



Packing in boxes, which is always best for long distances, does 

 not require so much practice, although as much care as in bundles. 

 If the trees are all well encased in straw, or properly protected by it on 

 every side and through every part ; the roots shielded from the dry 

 air as already stated ; and sufficient pressure given to them to pre- 

 vent chafing and rattling, they cannot become easily injured. The 

 boxes need the additional strength of iron hoops at the ends and 

 corners. 



To pack a bundle or bale, first provide two simple blocks of wood, 

 like that shown in Fig. 174, into which two diverging stakes are 

 inserted, loosely, so as to be withdrawn easily. 

 Place these a few feet apart, to form the trough 

 for building the bundle. Lay the trees in this 

 trough, perfectly parallel, and with the roots 

 together, sprinkling straw among the stems and 

 branches, and damp moss among the roots as the Fig> I74 

 bundle progresses, until enough are ready. Fifty 

 medium-sized trees will make a fair-sized bundle. Then tie it up 

 with three or four twisted straw bands, as tightly as one man can 

 conveniently draw. This may be facilitated by using first a broad 

 leather strap to draw the bundle together. The strap may be two 

 inches wide, eight feet long, with a buckle. The bundle is then 

 ready for receiving the straw. 



Next, place upon and across the little truck or wagon represented 

 in Fig. 175, four strings or cords, then a layer of rye-straw, to form 

 the outside coating. As the bundle is longer than the straw, the lat- 

 ter must be spliced, which is effected by first placing a layer towards 

 the place for the roots of the trees, and then another layer overlap- 

 ping this, towards the tops. Place within the side-boards other 

 portions of straw, and finally cover the top, observing now to lay the 



