FIELD FENCES. 83 



along the line. The operator with spade in hand opens 

 a narrow rut six or eight inches deep. The spade is 

 thrust with its hack to the line, making the opening on 

 the outside. The plants are then placed in position 

 perfectly upright with the stem resting against the 

 solid soil under the line. The plants are placed eight 

 inches apart. Great care should he taken to spread 

 out the roots of each plant before covering them with 

 soil, otherwise they are cramped and cankered, and the 

 growth of the plants is retarded. The thin ends of the 

 roots may he trimmed off with a sharp knife. The soil is 

 returned and firmly trodden round the roots and neck of 

 the plants. Care must he taken not to place them too 

 deeply in the ground. "When a length has heen planted the 

 line is removed to the opposite side, and again 4 in. from 

 the centre ; when the former operation is repeated, thus 

 forming a double row. It should he so arranged that each 

 plant in the second row should stand directly opposite the 

 centre between each two of the opposite row. Practically 

 this is superior to a single row, as greater space is afforded 

 for cleaning an important matter as regards the health and 

 progress of the plants. The stems are cut off close to the 

 ground. This should be done early in the spring before the 

 sap becomes active, the roots having by this time become 

 established. Each stem sends out a number of vigorous 

 suckers ; these are often more numerous than the roots can 

 support in a healthy state. During the winter a careful 

 man should be told off to thin out the weaker shoots, whicli 

 will greatly increase the rapid development of those that 

 are left. 



Any attempt at raising a quick fence planted on the 



surface of the land, will end in utter disappointment unless 



G 2 



