Transplanting. 247 



The dibber (Fig. 139) 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, etc., and for 



pressing earth about 

 the roots; it answers 

 equally well 

 for planting 

 cuttings and 

 root grafts. 

 The manner of 

 using it ap- 

 pears in (Figs. 

 143 and 144). 

 Fig. 140 

 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 

 crowding earth about them with the ordinary dibber. 



Fig. 141 shows a set of transplanting tools, useful in 

 removing a limited number of plants that are not 

 closely crowded and that need to be carried but a short 



Fig. 140. 



Fig. 141. 



Flat steel dibber (one-sixth natural 



Fig. 139. 



Fig. 139. 

 size). 



Fig. 140. Tool tor planting root grafts and 

 cuttings (much reduced). 



Fig. 141. Richards' transplanting tools, made 

 by F. Richards, Freeport, N. Y. 



