Transplanting without Disturbing the Soil. 53 



much as possible, and conifers are particularly sensitive in this re- 

 spect. If the fibers of their roots are once dry, they are generally 

 injured beyond remedy. In handling young evergreen seedlings, 

 if there is an interruption of the work but for a short time, the roots 

 should be covered with earth, or some other protection should be 

 given them for retaining their moisture and preventing evap- 

 oration. 



198. This sensitiveness of roots to the air has led to various de- 

 vices for removing young trees and small seedlings without disturb- 

 ing the roots. A "bore-spade" was invented many years ago by 

 Dr. Heyer, of Giessen, for the purpose of transplanting young pines, 

 and is often used in Europe for this purpose. It consists simply of 

 a spade, with the blade bent almost into a cylindrical form, and from 

 four to six inches across on the inside. The side opposite the handle 

 is open, so as pass it around the young tree. It is then pressed 

 down with the foot and turned around, loosening and including the 

 roots and all the soil around them, which may then be set in its new 

 place, if not distant, without the least disturbance of the soil within. 

 Several thousand plants may be set from a seed-bed to nursery rows 

 in a day with this simple instrument. 



199. The patent office records in Washington contain various 

 other devices for this object, in some of which two concave blades 

 are connected, so as to act as pincers, to embrace a cylindrical ball 

 of earth around the roots, and compress it as it is raised. 



200. A simple contrivance consisting of four spades is sometimes 

 used, in which the blades are pressed down inside of a frame serv- 

 ing as a fulcrum, and the handles are 



spread apart and fastened by pins in 

 cross-pieces passing through their 

 handles, as shown in the engraving 

 in the margin. All of these methods 

 are limited in their application to 

 young trees, and to those that are to 

 be carried but short distances. In 

 the one last described, two sides of 



,-, ,, .-, , r, ,-, p -, 32. Four Spades in a portable Frame 



the frame that lorm the lulcrum are for removing the Soil with the Roots 



extended out into handles, so that 



the whole may be carried by two men, like a burden on a hand-bar- 

 row. In light and dry sandy soil, none of them would prevent the 



