Transplanting. 225 
Oo 
ent to open the buds (63). This is best accomplished by 
thinning out, and cutting back the branches. As a rule, it 
is better to reduce the top rather sparingly at replanting, 
with the expectation of cutting it back further if the buds 
do not promptly open at the proper time. The branches 
that can best be spared should be removed (420). Failure 
to properly reduce the top is a frequent cause of loss of 
vigor, or death in transplanted trees. 
Small plants, in leaf. as of the strawberry, cabbage etc., 
usually endure transplanting better if their larger leaves 
are removed at replanting. 
d— Wetting the roots just before replanting them is quite 
important, as it favors intimate contact with the soil par- 
ticles. 
Plants that have suffered from loss of moisture in transit 
should have their roots soaked in clean water for a few 
hours before replanting. Deciduous trees of which the bark 
is considerably shriveled may often be saved, if the center 
of the buds is still fresh, by burying them in moist earth 
until the bark resumes its plumpness. 
410. Replanting the Roots. The object to be attained 
in this operation is to place mo/st and well-aerated soil in 
very close contact with all of the roots of the plant. The roots 
should also be placed at about the same depth, and in nearly 
the same position that they grew before the removal. The 
first requirement is most important, but the other two should 
not be ignored. 
Fig. 132 shows the roots of a tree properly planted. The 
hole was dug sufficiently large so that the roots were readily 
placed in it without crowding, and the soil was so well 
worked in among the roots that it comes in contact with 
their whole surface. 
