THE TREATMENT OF ROOTS 89 



of roots, can be systematically obtained by pruning the roots 

 from the very commencement. This demonstrates the necessity 

 of repeated transplanting of young* trees which are intended 

 for sale or for future transplanting. The treatment of young 

 wild stocks begins, indeed, with the pricking out of the seed- 

 lings. A discussion of the technicalities of this process would 

 be out of place in this book, but we may mention the most 

 suitable time for this process. In countries with a mild winter, 

 like England, November may be recommended, whereas in 

 Germany March is preferable, as this prevents any damage to 

 the young plants by the severe frosts, and the cut surfaces are 

 soon healed by the recommencing activity of growth. 



Some woody plants have the tendency to produce only few 

 and sparingly-branched lateral roots, which resemble the tap- 

 root in growing almost vertically down to a great depth ; in 

 this case it is advisable to repeat the above-mentioned process. 

 All the roots must be pruned, and the same must be done for 

 the lateral branches of the stem. Conifers and other evergreen 

 plants must also be transplanted at the end of their year's 

 growth. But as this ceases at an earlier period than is the 

 case in plants which lose their leaves, we may proceed to 

 transplantation at the end of the summer in localities in 

 which a late drought need not be feared. Thus the plant has 

 the opportunity of forming new roots before the winter com- 

 mences. 



To preserve the moisture of the spring, and to keep the 

 soil very porous, beds with such young plants should be covered 

 with loose straw, moss, fibre, or short manure. 



Seeing that the formation of long roots must be prevented, 

 so as not to have to cut into the old wood, it is essential 

 that young plants should be transplanted every year, and that 

 (according to the species) the larger roots of the previous year 

 be reduced to about two-thirds of their original length. At 

 the commencement of the last third of the length there is 

 sufficient tendency to form lateral roots so as to ensure a con- 

 siderable number being formed, and the cut end is thin enough 

 to be very soon healed over. Large cut surfaces are dangerous, 

 because they are less rapidly covered over, and consequently 

 are easily attacked by Fungi, which will cause decay. 



