240 



PRINCIPLES OF PLANT CULTURE 



and the earth should be moderately packed about the 

 roots with the feet, or otherwise. 



If the soil is dry, it is probably better to moisten it be- 

 fore placing it about the roots, rather than after, since 

 we have then a better opportunity to judge of the quantity 

 of water required, and the soil is less likely to settle away 

 from the roots. 



Trees of considerable size should generally be staked or 



u u u u u 



Fig. 142. 



Fig. 143. 



Fig. 144. 



Fig. 142. — Flat steel dibber (one-sixth natural size). 

 Fig. 143. — Tool for planting root grafts and cuttings (much reduced). 

 Fig. 144. — Richards' transplanting tools, made by F. Richards, Free- 

 port, N.Y. 



otherwise supported after planting, to prevent shaking 

 by wind (Fig. 141). Surrounding the trunk with poor- 

 conducting material, such as hay, straw or canvas, tends 

 to prevent damage from sun-scald (185), to which recently- 

 transplanted trees are especially liable. 



411. Devices for transplanting. — With young trees 

 and plants, that possess abundant vigor, rapidity of 

 planting is often of greater importance than the ob- 

 servance of precise rules. In this case, that method is 



