GARDENING FOR ALL. 107 
excavated for each tree, considerably larger than the roots 
require when spread out. The holes should be eighteen 
inches to two feet deep. Let some of the top good soil be 
returned into these, 
and filled to such 
height (when pressed 
down) as will leave the 
trees about the same 
depth in the soil when 
planted as they were 
before, which depth 
will be indicated by an 
earth-mark around the 
stem of each plant or 
tree. 
In planting, let 
the roots be carefully 
spread upon the soil 
regularly and nearly 
horizontally all round. 
Be sure to have the 
tree in the centre of 
each hole. Placesome 
fine soil among the 
roots carefully, then 
some over the roots, 
and press the soil with 
the feet. Keep add- Right method of planting a tree and 
ing more soil and of shortening its branches. 
pressing it firmly until 
the hole is filled. Finish off by forming a shallow saucer-like 
depression from the circumference of the new soil to the 
centre, for the purpose of retaining water when necessary 
to apply it. This is most requisite in the case of all trees 
if they are large, but not necessary for small trees. 
If the soil is dry at the time of planting, as it sometimes 
is in autumn, a good watering may be given anda mulching 
of manure spread over the surface as far as the roots extend, 
Each tree ought to be supported in some way against 
the loosening influence of the wind, because trees that are 
loose in the soil cannot obtain a firm grip with their roots, 
