HOW TO PLANT. 123 



purchase only of such dealers as know the pe- 

 culiar nature of this class of trees, and who 

 have honor enough to pack them properly for 

 transportation. Then, when received, let the 

 planter be sure that they are not exposed to 

 sun or wind, but that their roots remain cov- 

 ered and moist until the appropriate places are 

 made for them, and the trees are then planted. 

 If he is about to plant from his own nursery- 

 beds or to procure trees from the native for- 

 est, let him choose a still and cloudy or even 

 misty day for the purpose. Let him throw a 

 mat or blanket over the roots of the trees, as 

 he takes them from the ground, and keep them 

 covered until he reaches the spot where he 

 intends to plant them. Having now the ground 

 properly prepared beforehand, suitable holes 

 already dug, the earth made fine, as it should 

 be, so that it can be brought into close and 

 firm contact with the delicate, fibrous roots 

 with their waiting mouths, let him commit his 

 trees to the ground again, with the care and 

 attention which delicate, living things may 

 rightfully claim, and he may retire from the 

 field with a confident assurance that his labor 



