Part II.] FOOD PLANTS. 209 



soil by digging holes about eighteen inches deep and five feet 

 in diameter and putting in with the loam some ground bone and 

 chip dirt. 



Before setting a tree its roots should be examined, and if any 

 have been mangled or broken they should be trimmed back 

 with a sharp knife. The top should be cut back in proportion 

 to the injury to the roots. It is better, as a rule, to have the 

 tree more nearly resemble a bean pole in shape than a tree 

 when set out. The soil should not be wet nor dry at planting 

 time, but moist and crumbly, so that it may be readily worked 

 in among the roots. While planting, the roots should be not 

 exposed to sun and air but should be kept covered in moist 

 earth or with wet burlap until wanted. Some nurserymen be- 

 fore planting puddle the roots in mud made of rich, fine loam. 

 The tree is then set in the hole prepared for it, the roots spread 

 in their natural positions and the earth packed firmly among 

 and around them. In this work both hands and feet should be 

 used and no cavities among the roots should be left unfilled. 

 It is important that the soil about the roots be very fine and 

 well packed, and the surface should be left light, to prevent 

 evaporation. In light soil the tree should be set a little deeper 

 than in the nursery row, and it may be necessary to water 

 it or to mulch it deeply the first year. 



When large trees are to be transplanted it should be done 

 by an expert, as the novice is likely to make an expensive 

 failure. The directions given for planting trees may be ob- 

 served to advantage in setting out vines and shrubs, modifying 

 the operation to suit the various sizes and conditions. Any 

 capable nurseryman should be able to furnish information 

 regarding plants suitable for dry or wet soil or for planting in 

 sunny or shady places. 



Note. — The author will be glad to receive any information on any of 

 the subjects treated in this bulletin. Address Edward Howe Forbush, 

 136 State House, Boston, Mass. 



