14 The Nursery 



When transplanting, a trench is dug, with one side vertical. 

 This is indeed very important; for, although it is less convenient to 

 make the first insertion of the spade vertically, yet unless this is 

 done the axis of root and stem will grow at an angle. The result 

 will be that the final planting will be more difficult, and the tree will 

 show the defect for years after planting (see Fig. 5, p. 23). Generally 

 speaking, conifers take longer to recover from this defect than do the 

 broad-leaved species. 



The depth of the trench will vary according to the size of 

 the roots ; for the depth to which the plants are inserted, should be 

 nearly as possible the same as that at which they originally stood 

 — as indicated by the earth mark on their stems. The seedlings 

 are placed on the vertical side of the trench, and the soil is filled 

 in and pressed down very firmly with the foot. The distance 

 between the plants and between the rows, will vary according to 

 species, size of plants, and the time they are intended to remain 

 in the lines. The figures in the table (p. 13) may be taken as 

 most advisable under ordinary conditions. As a rule, transplanting 

 at intervals of two years is advisable ; as, if moved more often than 

 this, a needless disturbance of the root-system takes place, if at 

 longer periods, the compactness of the root-system is damaged. 



The lines of transplants will merely require to be kept free from 

 weeds. Especial care should be taken in weeding larch, as wounds 

 in the bark afford access to the spores of canker. 



The lifting of the transplants, for planting out, should be done 

 with as little disturbance of the root-system as possible. The four- 

 pronged fork is the tool usually employed, and the best method is 

 for two men to insert their forks, simultaneously, at opposite sides 

 of the row. 



If there is much discrepancy in the size of the transplants 

 on lifting, it is advisable to grade them into two lots. The smaller 

 plants should be lined out in the nursery once more ; or else they 

 should be used for those areas where the surface vegetation is less 

 strong, so that they may not be overgrown by weeds. 



Where large plants are required for ornamental planting, etc., 

 the transplants should be replanted, at intervals of two or three 



