PACKING, PRUNING, PROTECTION, ETC. 29 



entire circle of roots, to be drawn away again in the Spring. Avoid 

 treading or other pressure around the tree, other than that made by 

 the hand in firmly placing the earth among the roots, in the process. 



Time When. With nearly all trees and all locations, Fall is the 

 best time to transplant ; new granulations have to be made, ere the 

 roots broken by the process can again supply themselves, or the 

 plant, with food. This process, if trees are removed in Fall, will 

 often be found to have taken place during winter, and ere the ex- 

 haustion by the leaves by growth in Spring, of their food laid up in 

 bud and bark the year previous, the roots are again furnishing their 

 support as nature orders. If, however, trees are removed in Spring, 

 it often happens, especially with cherries, that the supply of food 

 previously laid up is exhausted, ere new rootlets are formed. Mul- 

 ching, and other cares, are often, therefore, more requisite, in order 

 to keep the roots, and prevent too rapid exhaustion in Spring-planted 

 trees, than those of Fall planting. 



Packing. Amateurs, as well as nurserymen, often have occasion 

 to forward trees to a distance, and it is desirable they be so packed, 

 as to ensure success when received. In order to this, they should 

 be made into a bundle with damp moss liberally mingled among 

 the roots, the larger trees upon the outside of the bundle, and the 

 small within ; band securely with twisted straw bands, then take 

 long straw, lay it down about two inches thick, with its butts near 

 the center of the roots of bundle ; lay another layer, with the butts 

 four inches below the tops of the last, and so on, until you have the 

 length of bundle. Now, lay down the bundle, and carefully lay straw 

 over it, in same manner as underneath, only commencing at top, 

 so that when cords are around it, all will be covered ; proceed with 

 one end of cord, first lashed to a strong root, to bind it around, 

 once in about ten inches, all the way to the top. If intended to 

 go any considerable distance, with risk of rough handling, a stout 

 stick should be packed in centre of each bundle, extending about 

 four inches beyond the tops of the trees. Next, lay down a strong 

 bass mat, or strong cloth, scatter on it straw, then moss, and placing 

 the roots of bundle upon it, draw it up carefully over, and secure it 

 by strong pack-thread. If moss is not obtainable, let the roots be 

 well puddled, as it is termed, that is, dipped in a thick clayey mud, 

 but avoid packing leaves, grass, etc., among them. 



Care of, when received. Trees are often lost by not knowing how 

 to care for them when received after long voyages. If dry, or 

 withered, or frozen, they should be unpacked and immediately bu- 

 ried, roots and tops, underneath the earth, and there left for some 

 days ; or, if late in fall, and buried where the water drains off readily, 

 let the roots be buried deep, while the tops have only a couple of 

 inches upon them. Trees received dry in spring, may be immedi- 



