144 



GRAFTAGE. 



nursery land is fit to dig in the spring. These cellars make 

 the nurseryman somewhat independent of conditions of 

 weather and trade, and they ensure to the planter quick 

 delivery of stock which shows no winter injury. A common 

 style of nursery cellar is shown in Fig. 143. It is a wooden 

 structure, commonly a third or quarter below the surface 

 of the ground, with hollow walls and a tarred and gravelled 

 roof. It should be provided with ample facilities for ventila- 

 tion, either by means of windows along the sides or flues in 

 the roof, or both. It has a dirt floor. In this building, the 

 trees are heeled-in very thickly in the fall. The trees are 

 either stood straight up, or they may be piled in tiers. 



142. Heikes' tree gauge. 



These tiers are made up of overlapping horizontal layers laid 

 in opposite directions. The roots of the first layer are laid 

 towards the center and damp sand thrown over them. Upon 

 these are laid the roots of the second layer, with the tops in 

 the opposite direction. Dirt is again thrown on, when 

 another layer like the first is added. The tops are, therefore, 

 always outward. These tops should lie a little higher than 

 the roots, and in order to raise them, and also to bind the 

 pile, scantlings or boards are laid crosswise of the layers, at 

 the outward end, at intervals. Moss may be used in place 

 of sand, although the latter is more easily obtained and kept, 

 and is generally used. In piling or cording trees in this 

 fashion, it is important that a sufficient passage or alley be 

 left between each pile to admit of free circulation of air. 

 A passage through which a man can just pass is sufficient. 



