PLANTING \YITHOUT BALLS OF EARTH. 211 



are better adapted to loose than to stiff soils ; the latter as 

 well as the ball shrink during dr}- weather, so that frequently 

 the ball becomes completely separated and the plant dries up. 



On the whole, however, the method is one of the safest, and 

 is specially recommended for loose soils, frost localities, and 

 where damage by cockchafers is apprehended ; in fact for 

 unfavourable localities generally. It is less suited for stony 

 or stiff soils. 



The expense of planting is not high with small ball plants, 

 but increases rapidly with the size of the balls. In India 

 plants are sometimes planted, in the nursery, into bamboo 

 baskets, which are then planted out in the forest. 



2. Planting without Balls of Eartlt. 

 a. Plantinrj vith Hoe or Spade. 



Preparation of the Planting Hole. — After removing any 

 covering which the soil may possess, the pit is made with 

 the hoe, semi-circular or ordinary spade, if necessary with the 

 pick. The size of the hole depends on the extent of the plant's 

 root system and the nature of the soil. If the latter is rich 

 and fairly open, the hole need not be larger than the spread of 

 the root system. On stiff soil it is desirable to make the pit 

 somewhat larger and deeper, so as to give an additional 

 amount of working and loosening. On favourable soil the pit 

 may be made immediately before planting ; on unfavourable 

 soil it should be made in the previous autumn, so as to expose 

 the earth to the effects of the winter frosts. The soil taken 

 out of the pit should be placed in two heaps, the good soil 

 being kept separate from the rest. 



Placing the Plant. — In placing the plant in the pit, it should 

 be held in such a manner that the root system may assume a 

 natural position, then the earth is gradually filled in, so as to 

 get well round the rootlets ; first pressed on gently, then 

 somewhat more firmly, and finally pressed down with the 

 foot. The best part of the soil should be brought into contact 

 with the rootlets, and the worst placed on the top. Manure, 



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