110 IMPORTANT TIMBER TREES 



place it in the hole so that when set out it will stand a 

 trifle deeper than in the nursery. Then, as the ground set- 

 tles around it, the plant will bear practically the same re- 

 lation to the surface that it did in the nursery. Fine earth 

 should be carefully mingled among and on the roots and 

 firmly pressed down. If there are any long roots which 

 cannot be placed in a natural position without much dig- 

 ging they may be curled around in the excavation. That 

 is better than to cut or break them off. While packing the 

 earth firmly around the roots and plant may seem objec- 

 tionable, experience shows it to be advisable. The earth 

 should come in actual contact with the roots to secure the 

 best results. If sods have been removed, or decaying 

 leaves can be handily obtained, these should be placed 

 around the plant to act as a mulch. Decaying wood or even 

 stones serve a good purpose in preventing rapid evapora- 

 tion from around the roots. 



Various planting implements have been devised and 

 used, but none have proved so effective and practical as the 

 mattock in the hands of an intelligent and industrious man 

 who will dig the hole large enough and provide fine earth 

 to place among the roots. Any method which compels 

 cramping or packing the roots together is objectionable. 

 Plants thus set out may, and many do, live, but to place 

 the roots in their natural position is by far the best way. 



If the plants must be shipped to a distance requiring 

 several days in transmission, some one who has had expe- 

 rience, and is an expert in packing the various species for 

 shipment, should be engaged. Unless the work is under- 

 standingly done the plants are liable to injury or death, 

 through heating, moulding, or drying of the roots. Experi- 

 ment in that line is liable to be very expensive, and writ- 

 ten directions can hardly be expected to give the necessary 

 information. In all cases plants should be unpacked and 

 heeled in immediately on arrival at place of destination, 

 unless promptly set out in the forest. 



