I8t; ARTIFICIAL FORMATION OF \VOOl)S. 



lifting of larger plants. The operation necessitates four 

 insertions, and it produces an inverted pyramidal ball. The 

 scmi-ciiri(l(ir spade (Fig. 47) is also used for lifting larger 

 plants; it necessitates onlj^ two or three insertions. The 

 semi-conH-al spade (Fig. 48), invented by Edward Ileyer, is so 

 constructed that it requires only one insertion, after which it 

 is turned round its axis, thus separating a ball of earth of an 

 inverted conical shape. The instrument can be recommended. 

 On stony soil a heavy, specially strong spade (Fig. 49) is 

 sometimes used. 



h. LifHiifj Plaals without Balls of Kurlh. 



This is best done with the two, three or four-pronged fork 

 (Fig. 35, p. 161), which is inserted from one side and bent 

 down backward, so that the plant is gently lifted up and 

 gradually separated from the soil. 



Another method is to insert two spades or forks from 

 opposite sides, in a slanting direction, so that they meet, or 

 nearly so, underneath the plant ; both spades are then bent 

 back and the plant lifted. 



Sometimes hoes, ordinary oi' pronged, are used, but they 

 are inferior to spades or forks for lifting plants. 



PuUing up plants injures the roots and should be avoided. 



10. I'nininii Plants. 



As a general rule plants should not be pruned unless it is 

 absolutely necessary. Every cut produces a wound, exposing 

 the plant to disease, which may ultimately render it uniit for 

 the purpose for which it has been grown. Research has 

 shown that the unhealtiiy condition of timber trees may be 

 due to spores of fungi entering their tissue through wounds 

 received at a very early age. 



Where woods are grown for fuel, or treated under a short 

 rotation, tlie above consideration is of comparatively small 

 importance ; in the case of timber jjlantations, however, 



