TRANSPLANTING TREES. 231 



easily handled. Large trees can be successfully transplanted 

 where the immediate embellishment of grounds demands, but 

 the expense is very largely increased. 



It would be impossible to name fixed rules for planting 

 trees, when the work is to be done under varying circum- 

 stances ; practical experience is alone reliable. Ordinarily 

 speaking, large holes in proportion to the size of the trees 

 should be dug, with a mound of earth raised in the centre of 

 the hole for the tree to rest upon ; the roots should be arranged 

 so that they may fit the hole and maintain their natural 

 position and tendency, and the tree will stand alone before any 

 support is given it. It is always expedient to prune the roots 

 with a sharp knife immediately before planting. Good, fine 

 soil should be thoroughly and firmly incorporated among the 

 roots, and, if the soil is friable, it may be pressed about the 

 roots ; if wet, no pressure should be used. 



If the trees are large and require separating, hooked stakes 

 may be driven into the ground, the hooks holding the largest 

 roots in their places : if large stones are at hand they may be 

 placed on the surface of the ground around the tree until the 

 roots grow into the soil. 



In transplanting the larch, great care is absolutely necessary 

 to ensure success. For transplanting large trees we recom- 

 mend the autumn, as the roots will not bear exposure to the 

 sun or weather. If planted in the spring it should be done as 

 soon as the frost is out of the ground ; a few warm days bring 

 the larch too forward to plant. If the larches live and grow 

 the first year, we have never known them to die afterwards. 

 In our experience no other tree is more likely to do well and 

 make rapid growth, if successfully planted. We regard the 

 European larch as one of the best trees to be grown for tim- 

 ber, and it is very desirable as an ornamental tree, coming 

 next to an evergreen for shelter, its habit of growth being 

 like many of the evergreens. The larch affords the best 

 shelter for orchards, and grows freely in all soils. 



Evergreens, as a rule, like a deep, moist loam, and should 

 be planted with balls of earth adhering to the roots, if pos- 

 sible. Their roots will not bear exposure to the sun or air. 

 Cloudy weather is the best time to plant them. Aside from 

 their great value for timber, they are indispensable for shel- 



