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with the horses (See Plate), and brings up tlic machine, 

 as nearly as possible to the northeast side of the pit, running 

 the wheels up against the bank, or mound of eartli thrown 

 out. Here it is prudent to take oH' the horses ; as it is always 

 safer and better to wheel in the machine, for the two or 

 three last yards, by manual exertion ; an object, which is 

 readily accomplished, by cutting down the mound of earth 

 in front of each wheel, and thereby forming an inclined 

 plane, for the descent of the tree into the pit. 



On this occasion, it is indispensably necessary that the 

 macliine should advance right upon the centre, or piece of 

 greensward deposited in the pit, but without overrunning 

 that point. Two persons, the director and another, then 

 station themselves on the outside of the pit, transversely to 

 each other, the one, we shall say, on the southwest side, 

 opposite the machine, and the other on the northwest, or 

 southeast side, whichever may be most convenient ; because 

 the line of sight, at both of the last mentioned points, is 

 equally at right angles with the machine's direction. The 

 workman who is placed immediately opposite the machine, 

 now directs the advance of each wheel, or of both, as he 

 sees necessary ; by which means he is enabled to bring the 

 root of the tree right upon the centre ; while, at the same 

 time, the director, occupying the transverse station, which is 

 the more important of the two, orders a halt to be made at 

 the proper moment (for both cannot see the same objects) ; 

 and in this manner the stem is brought directly to the centre, 

 without being permitted to overshoot the mark. Two stakes, 

 or stones, or other stays are now put to the wheels, in order 

 to prevent their further advancement, and to get every thing 

 in readiness for dropping the tree on the spot intended. — 

 These arrangements, how complex soever they may appear 

 in the narrative, are simple in reality, and, barring accidents, 

 do not occupy above a few minutes. 



Preparation is now made for dropping the tree into the pit. 



30 



