TRANSPLANTING 241 



best which secures a given number of transplanted and 

 vigorously-growing plants at the least cost. The trans- 

 planting devices shown in Figs. 142-144 aid greatly in 

 accomplishing this end. , 



The dibber (Fig. 142) is perhaps, aside from the spade, 

 the most valuable single tool for transplanting. It is 

 used for opening the hole to receive the roots of small 

 plants, such as cabbage, celery, onions and the like, and 

 for pressing earth about the roots; it answers equally 



FIG. 145. A transplanting machine. Two operators or planters ride 



behind. 



well for planting cuttings and root grafts. The manner 

 of using it appears in Figs. 146 and 147. Fig. 143 

 shows a very convenient tool for planting root grafts and 

 cuttings. It consists of five steel dibbers, attached equi- 

 distant in a line to a piece of scantling, with a handle 

 affixed above. In using this tool, the operator crowds 

 the dibbers into the soil with the foot, guided by a line. 

 He then moves the frame to and fro until the holes are 

 sufficiently opened, when he withdraws the dibbers by 

 lifting the frame, and passes on to repeat the operation. 

 A person follows inserting the grafts or cuttings, and 



