TRANSPLANTING. 235 



CHAPTER XII. 



TRANSPLANTING. 



In the operation of transplanting, the main points to be 

 regarded are the proper preparation of the soil for re- 

 ceiving the plant; care in taking it up so as to avoid 

 injury to the small, fibrous roots; setting it firmly so that 

 its roots may take a secure hold of the soil; planting with 

 as little delay as possible; and, lastly, maintaining the 

 balance as far as practicable between the top of the plant 

 and its roots, so that the former may not lose more by 

 evaporation than the roots absorb, until again estab- 

 lished. 



Preparation of the Soil. — Plants, when removed, 

 need a freshly dug soil which affords a moist situation in 

 which the delicate fibers may be emitted, and therein 

 quickly establish themselves. If also well drained and 

 trenched, the effect upon present and subsequent growth 

 is very decided: a tree or vine thriving much better in 

 such a situation than if the roots are put into a hole with 

 none of the surrounding soil loosened. The soil ought 

 also to be enriched with fine manure, but no coarse, unfer- 

 mented manures should be applied where they will come 

 in contact with the roots. When the ground is in a suit- 

 able condition, holes should be dug for the reception of 

 the roots of the plants. These had better be made square 

 than round, as a large hole in that form can be sooner 

 made. The diameter should be such that it will receive 

 all the roots when fully extended. The holes should be 

 made too large rather than too small. In digging the 

 holes, throw out the best soil on one side and the poor 

 on the opposite. If the ground has been prepared deeply, 

 the holes may be made just deep enough to receive the 



