METHODS OF PLANTING. 209 



different cases, various methods of planting have been elabo- 

 rated, of which only the most important will be indicated. 



Whatever the methods ma}^ be, the following rules for 

 planting are of general application : — 



(1.) The plant should be placed in the ground to the same 

 depth as that at which it stood in the nursery (allowing 

 for a possible settlement of the soil). 



(2.) The root system should receive a natural position and 

 not be huddled together, or bent to one side. 



These two rules can l)e set aside only under specially 

 favourable conditions. 



The actual level at which the plants are placed, depends on 

 the climate and the nature of the soil. In the majority of 

 cases the plants are placed flush with the ordinary surface of 

 the ground ; under a dry and hot climate they are sometimes 

 placed in pits or trenches previously dug and arranged at a 

 level below the ordinary s'urface ; in wet or swampy soil 

 plants are frequently placed on mounds or ridges. In either 

 of these cases the methods of planting remain the same, 

 except in so far as the more limited space may necessitate 

 slight modifications. The preparation of the trenches and 

 ridges has been described above under Direct Sowing 

 (pages 167 and 168). There is, however, a method of mound 

 planting on ordinary soil, which will be described separately. 



In planting an opening is made in the ground, into which 

 the plant is inserted. The size and shape of the opening 

 depend on the nature of the plant and the tool used in 

 making the opening. Accordingly the following methods 

 may be distinguished : — 



(1.) Planting with balls of earth. 



(2.) Planting without balls of earth. 



a. With hoe or spade. 

 h. With peg or staff. 

 c. Notching. 

 (3.) Mound planting. 



