DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS. 179 



equal to the distance between the rows : in triangle planting 

 equal to the planting distance multiplied by •866. 



The lines are of a suitable length, with a pin (or peg) at 

 each end ; they should be made of hemp and well tarred, to 

 protect them against moisture. On wet soil a thin chain is 

 preferable to a line, as the latter is liable to alter its length. 



When a large area is to be planted, it is desii-able to sub- 

 divide it, in the first place, into squares or rectangles, the sides 

 of which correspond with the lengths of the planting and 

 directing lines (Fig. 44). After the corners of the squares or 

 rectangles have been fixed, each plot is treated separately ; 

 the directing line is stretched along two opposite sides of it 

 (say a d and h c), and the directing spots marked either by the 

 insertion of small pegs or by small holes, or two directing 

 lines may be used and left on opposite sides, until the square, 

 or rectangle, has been planted; then the planting line is first 

 stretched along a b, and successively parallel to it until d c 

 is reached, planting being done as indicated by the marks 

 on the planting line. 



It remains to note that in the case of triangle planting the 

 planting line must be doubly divided, as the plants in every 

 two adjoining rows are shifted by half the planting distance ; 

 or the planting line must be drawn back by half the planting 

 distance in every alternate row. 



The following semi-regular system of planting is much 

 followed in Great Britain : — The planters are arranged in 

 line at stated intervals along one edge of the area (Fig. 45, 

 a h). Each puts in a plant where he stands. The most 

 reliable planter is placed on one flank at a, and he now 

 advances a space equal to the fixed planting distance in the 

 direction of a previously erected mark (flag), puts in a second 

 plant, advances again the planting distance, puts in a third 

 plant, and so on, until he reaches the opposite edge of the 

 area. As soon as the flanking man has advanced twice 

 the planting distance, the next planter advances one 

 planting distance, keeping at the original distance from the 



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