ROOT-FIBRE. 53 



are thus crushed and wounded, and, instead of at once 

 commencing to perform their functions, the spongioles 

 have to recover their lost powers of absorption. Trees, 

 too, are often planted too deep, so that the lateral 

 branches of the conifers become buried ; and, in short, 

 the whole system of the plant becomes deranged, and 

 valuable time is lost in the recovery and readjustment 



When planting conifers, especially on exposed sites, 

 it is well to hold them in the lee corner of the holes, 

 as by this means they get an extra support from the 

 firm and unbroken soil ; on clays, if planted in the 

 centre, they are apt to work and form a cup, which in 

 a wet season fills with water, and tends to rot the base 

 of the tree. When planting purchased trees, which 

 may have been exposed for some days, it is advisable 

 to place the fibres in water or damp mould for a day 

 or two previous to planting. 



On large areas for commercial purposes little more 

 is needed. The trees being small should not need 

 staking, even in exposed sites ; but later in the season, 

 say a month or two after planting, the whole should 

 be again carefully inspected and trodden in, as the 

 soil will contract and leave the trees loose. 



It should be borne in mind that the life of the tree 

 depends upon the vitality of the root-fibres, and every- 

 thing should be done that skill can devise to keep 

 them healthy and active. The chief thing is to bring 

 every fibre into contact with the mould so that the 

 water, which contains the plant food in solution, may 

 be brought into contact with it as it percolates through 

 the soil. If hung in space, water will not reach it 

 without the soil is water-logged, which we have 



