THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 127 
the spring, so that no dead or dry tips are left on the plant. 
Evergreens, as pines and spruces, are not headed-in much, 
and usually not at all. 
All tender and very small plants should be set in the spring, 
in which case very early planting is desirable; and spring 
planting is always to be advised when the ground is not 
thoroughly drained and well prepared. 
Depth to transplant. 
In well-compacted land, trees and shrubs should be set at 
about the same depth as they stood in the nursery, but if the 
land has been deeply trenched or if it is loose from other causes, 
the plants should be set deeper, because the earth will probably 
settle. The hole should be filled with fine surface earth. It is 
generally not advisable to place manure in the hole, but if it is 
used, it should be of small amount and very thoroughly mixed 
with the earth, else it will cause the soil to dry out. In lawns 
and other places where surface tillage cannot be given, a light 
mulch of litter or manure may be placed about the plants; 
but the earth-mulch (page 98), when it can be secured, is much 
the best conserver of moisture. 
Making the rows straight. 
In order to set trees in rows, it is necessary to use a garden 
line (Fig. 96), or to mark out the ground with some of the 
| eee 
SS 
eae eee 
MN 
se 
oe =e > 
Sans 
Al ee 
~ “~_R 
ea)! /hon 
139. A planting board. 
