9 
ded past recovery. Had those trees been “heeled in” (roots set 
into the damp soil) while “ waiting their turn,” they would all have 
lived without an exception or a doubt. 
In a dainp day, less care is requisite, but the fibrous roots must 
be saved from drying up, or the tree is “as good as dead,” even 
when otherwise carefully planted. The mode of conveyance from 
the nursery to the orchard, is therefore, of the utmost importance. 
Large trees, (and small ones too) can be best carried in a wagon, 
with capacious hay rack, or box so high that the trees can be set 
therein leaning backward, thus giving a chance to cover the roots, 
while being loaded, with well dampened straw, saw-dust or other 
light and good material for retaining dampness, which should be 
kept well watered till the trees arrive at their destination; and then 
“heeled in” at once, as fast as unloaded, if a cold night, or a 
drying day must intervene between that time and their planting. 
I know a widow, who went to a nursery and was very exacting 
as to the particular form and the digging of her trees, and then 
took them home, and set them on the dry ground leaning up against 
the south side of her house, where they remained for two of the 
hottest days in the fore part of May. Some six weeks afterwards, 
astonished at finding that the trees had actually died, she hailed 
the nurseryman, whom she saw riding past, and wanted him to 
agree to give her other trees in the stead of those that had failed to 
live after such a thorongh killing! 
Yor shipping toa distance by the ordinary methods, a careful 
boxing or baleing with moss or other substance that will hold 
moisture, is found necessary. ‘“ Puddling,” or coating the roots 
with mud is a tolerably good substitute, for a moisture-retaining 
material in packing trees. 
But distance, and probable delays are matters worthy of serious 
consideration, and if the risk is taken, the cost of suitable packing 
should not be regarded. ’ 
DRIED UP oR FROZEN TREES.—If by delays on the road, bad pack- 
ing or other cause, the trees from far or near come to hand ina 
dried up or frozen state, they should be immediately laid flat down 
and entirely covered root and branch with mellow soil, and the 
whole ground well watered. Let them remain in that condition 
(with occasional watering,) some eight to twelve days, or until the 
top limbs are plump, and the buds are well swollen, then take them 
2 
