72 TRANSPLANTING. 



performed, it never can, If much danger is feared from mice, 

 it is better to place the trees erect in the trench (Fig. 112), and 

 round up the whole surface about them ; but, being more ex- 

 posed in this position, they should be placed in a sheltered 

 situation from the winds. 



With the precautions above mentioned, it is, however, a 

 matter of small consequence at which season trees are put out, 

 provided the work is well done. It is at least a hundred times 

 more important to give them good mellow cultivation afterward. 



FIG. in. Heeling-in Sloping. FIG. 112. Heeling-in Erect. 



Here is where so many fail. Some dig little circles about 

 their trees, which is scarcely better. The whole surface must 

 be cultivated. It is for this reason that trees often do best set 

 in spring because in one case the soil settles, hardens, and 

 crusts through winter, but is left mellow after spring setting. 

 This difference could not exist if the mellowing of the soil 

 were properly attended to. 



When the soil is a heavy clay, and holds water like a tub, 

 tender trees are in great danger from autumn transplanting, 

 unless provision is made for draining the holes, which may be 

 effected by running a deep furrow from one hole to the other, 

 along the line of trees, and using brush, corn-stalks, or straw, 

 as a temporary underdrain for the water to soak away. 



Transplanting may be performed in winter, whenever the 

 ground is open and the air above freezing ; but roots which are 

 frozen while out of the ground will perish unless they are 

 buried before thawing. 



The size for transplanting must vary with circumstances. 

 Five to six feet high is commonly large enough, but those 



