TRANSPLANTING. 237 



While the plant is out of the ground, its roots should 

 be protected from exposure to the air, and, if not planted 

 immediately, should be covered with earth. Many trees 

 are ruined by lying out exposed to the sun for hours while 

 holes are being dug to receive them. Before the tree is 

 reset, the top also should receive the necessary pruning. 



Replanting. — After the holes are ready and the tree 

 prepared, its roots should be laid upon the convex surface 

 to see if the hole is of the proper depth, which may be 

 judged by the eye, or more exactly by laying a rod across 

 the hole close to the stem, resting on the level ground on 

 each side. If the neck of the plant is too high or too 

 low, make the necessary alteration, bringing the bottom 

 to the proper height, and convex as before. Hold the tree 

 lightly — if it is in the same aspect as before, in respect 

 to the points of the compass, it certainly can do it no 

 harm, and many cultivators think it important. Let the 

 roots be nicely spread over this convex surface, training 

 out the leading roots at distances as near equal as pos- 

 sible, not bundling the small roots together, but sepa- 

 rating them with particles of fine soil. Then, holding the 

 stem firmly and erect, save a slight inclination towards 

 the side from which the heaviest gales or most constant 

 winds are expected, throw the finest, lightest soil, from 

 that reserved by itself, down near the stem, letting it fall 

 down towards the extremities of the roots, and introduce 

 it carefully with the hand among the roots. Having thus 

 covered the lower roots, those above should also be ad- 

 justed and covered with the same care, and when all are 

 well covered, water may be given with advantage, unless 

 the soil and weather are moist. If not watered, when the 

 roots are well covered, the earth should be moderately 

 pressed upon them by treading the soil (being careful not 

 to injure them), if the ground is light and friable, but 

 by no means if wet. After watering or treading, the re- 



