TRANSPLANTING. 239 



tree, it is necessary to transplant it when of larger size. 

 This is done by shortening in the leading roots at a dis- 

 tance from the trunk, varying with the size of the tree 

 to be operated upon. A circular trench is dug in spring 

 or before midsummer around the whole mass of roots, 

 partially undermining them and cutting off all that ex- 

 tend into the trench, which is dug at such a distance from 

 the tree that it encloses a sufficient ball of roots; the 

 trench may be filled with poor earth, or covered with 

 plank. The tree will be checked somewhat, and will fill 

 the ball around it with a mass of fibrous roots, and in the 

 proper season tan be moved with safety. Many trees 

 naturally tap-rooted, and evergreens difficult to trans- 

 plant, are, by being transplanted annually or biennially 

 from their seedling state, compelled to throw out a mass 

 of fibrous roots, retaining among them a ball of earth, 

 and are thus ready to be moved at any time without 

 danger. 



It is often desirable to plant fruit trees before the 

 leaves naturally fall, in seasons when autumn frosts are 

 unusually late. A week or two before the trees are to be 

 taken up, pluck from them every leaf, and allow them to 

 remain and ripen their wood. After this time they can 

 be taken up, packed, and sent safely long distances with- 

 out shrivelling. Meanwhile the ground should be pre- 

 pared, the holes made, and, after pruning, plant them out, 

 giving them a good watering before the last soil is thrown 

 in. In this way, where much planting is to be done, a 

 month's time in autumn is gained. 



Transplanting Herbaceous Plants. — Most of these 

 are easily transplanted as soon as they have done flower- 

 ing, or before they begin to grow in the spring. For 

 annuals, when the season is somewhat advanced, a damp, 

 cloudy day, just before or just after a shower, or in the 

 evening, is the proper time for the operation. Imme- 



