20 SEVENTH REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 



Trees may be planted in the spring or fall, preferably in the spring before the 

 buds open. If, through lack of information or experience, there should be a diffi- 

 culty in determining what to plant it would be well to note the kinds that thrive 

 best in the vicinity, and choose accordingly. Having decided on the species, the 

 tree or trees should be ordered from some nursery, because, as a general thing, 

 better results will be obtained. Nursery stock bears transplanting better than that 

 from the woods ; for the roots are not spread out so widely as those of forest trees 

 which, by reason of poorer soil, are obliged to reach out further for nourishment, 

 and, hence, sustain more injury when the tree is dug up. In size the plant should 

 be from two to three inches in diameter near the ground, and from ten to twelve 

 feet high. But little is gained by using larger ones, as the smaller trees soon over- 

 take or pass them, and the larger the tree the greater the risk in transplanting. 

 Maples, Elms and Lindens, however, may be used with larger diameters than other 

 species. The Oak thrives better when the smaller sizes are planted. 



Nursery trees cost from fifty cents to one dollar each, according to the size or 

 scarcity, to which must be added the expense of freight and cartage. When ordered 

 in large quantities a suitable deduction in price is made. But for villages and roads 

 it may be more convenient and economical in some localities to obtain the young 

 trees from the neighboring woods. In that case pains must be taken to select 

 straight, thrifty specimens with clean, healthy bark, well-shaped top, and regular 

 arrangement of branches. 



Trangplanttng. 



Iji digging up a young tree the roots should be preserved as far as practicable, 

 the circular trench being at least six feet in diameter, or three feet from the stem in 

 all directions. Any unneces.sary breaking or wounding of the roots must be 

 avoided, and all the slender rootlets should be secured as far as possible. The more 

 earth that can be taken up with the roots the better. A solid lump is not necessary ; 

 but whatever soil clings to the roots should be retained and not allowed to fall off 

 through jolting or careless handling. 



Having dug up the sapling, examine the roots carefully, cut off cleanly and 

 smoothly with a sharp knife all the bruised or broken ones, cutting them back to 

 the sound wood. Then these roots will not decay, and the new fibres or rootlets 

 will grow quickly. If there is a long tap root it should be shorteneU to conform to 

 the depth of the hole in which the tree is to stand. Do not allow the roots to be 

 exposed to the sun or wind ; cover them up immediately with damp straw or bags, 

 or, dip them in liquid mud repeatedly until a thick coating is formed that will 



