Treatment of Nursery Trees. 105 
worth discussing on theoretical grounds. As a matter of fact 
and practise, the taproot cuts no figure at all in California or- 
chard planting to-day, although the discussion of the question 
was very warm in this State thirty years ago. It is important, 
however, that the planter should have as many small lateral 
roots as he can:get. The small fibrous roots are usually of 
little account, as they scldom survive transplanting, and it is 
better to clip them away, if the time can be afforded, as they 
often prevent the proper close contact of the soil with the larger 
roots. Cutting back all roots to short stubs at the base of the 
stem has succeeded in some instances in California on moist low 
lands, but longer roots are far safer in the deep drying of the 
surface layer which is to be expected in this State. 
The roots, after lifting, should not be permitted to dry. 
Hence, in hauling from the nursery to the farm, the trees should 
be well covered with wet straw and old sacks, or, if shipped from 
the nursery to distant points, should be well packed. The best 
way to pack trees is, undoubtedly, to box them in with wet straw, 
but it costs less and they usually carry well considerable dis- 
tances if carefully bundled with tules, the roots packed in wet 
straw, and, especially about the roots, the packing and covering 
bound down tight with ropes to prevent drying out. 
Attention should be paid to hauling away trees from the 
railway stations as soon as possible after arrival. It is not un- 
common for shipments to lie on the station platforms for days, 
often when a desiccating north wind is blowing. Such treat- 
ment soon takes the life out of the rootlets, and often, no doubt, 
the nurseryman is blamed for failure of trees which have suffered 
some such neglect as this, either from transportation companies 
or from the purchasers. 
Heeling In.—On arrival at the farms, trees should be “heeled 
in” as soon as possible; even if it is the intention to plant at once, 
heel them in just the same, for delays arise often in the most 
unexpected manner. To heel in, dig a trench or plow a deep 
furrow, or a double furrow, in light, moist, but well-drained 
soil; put in the trees singly side by side, removing all the pack- 
ing material carefully from the roots, laying the tops all one way, 
and then shovel the earth over the roots until they are well 
covered with loose soil, and be sure that the soil sifts down well 
between the roots. Ordinarily this treatment will hold the trees 
in good condition for a considerable time if need be. If, how- 
ever, they have become dry before arrival, the bundles should be 
thoroughly drenched with water before heeling in. In extreme 
cases, where the top shows drying by shrinking and shriveling 
of the bark, the trees should be drenched, and then they should 
be covered root and top with earth for two or three days, when; 
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