360 THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



a sharp knife be used in cutting the roots the damaged parts 

 will soon heal over. 



In the case of trees which' are required to travel long 

 distances, the roots should always be protected from dry, 

 parching winds by means of mats, tiffany, hay, or any such 

 material. Holes for their reception should have been previously 

 prepared, and be larger than the ball of earth attached to the 

 roots, which latter should be spread out carefully in all 

 directions, so that they will be in a position to take up 

 nourishment from all sides ; besides, by fixing the trees more 

 securely in the soil, they are better able to withstand boisterous 

 winds. The soil at the base should be loosened, and the 

 distance between the trees will depend on the size, kind, and 

 object for which they are intended. It sometimes happens that 

 the ordinary soil of the garden is not suited to certain kinds 

 of shrubs, ill which case the indifferent soil should be taken 

 away and replaced by some favourable to the well-being of 

 the subjects it -is intended to plant. The too common mistake 

 of huddling the roots up together should be avoided, and the 

 disadvantages of too deep planting cannot be too strongly 

 condemned. Manure in any shape should never be placed in 

 immediate contact with the roots, as it will do more harm 

 than good ; it should be incorporated with the soil. 



The importance of regular transplanting in a young state, 

 especially such as belong to the Fir tribe, does not seem ito 

 be sufficiently understood, or is not carried out to the extent 

 it should be. It frequently happens that trees get too big 

 or bulky for certain positions, and it becomes necessary to 

 lift some of them, in order to give those that are left more 

 room to develop. If transplanting has not been properly 

 attended to in the early stages, the chances of successfully 

 moving them is considerably minimised unless extra care is 

 taken in the operation. 



Trees that are " mop-headed," or top-heavy, should be supported 

 by stakes, and securely tied immediately planting is completed, so 

 as to prevent them from being blown over in windy weather. It is 

 wise, especially if planting be done in the spring, to give a good 

 watering to consolidate the soil about the roots, and if water 

 is applied to the foliage by means of a garden engine or 

 syringe, the trees will be greatly assisted in making fresh roots. 

 In the case of trees that are impatient of disturbance at the root, 

 it is an excellent plan to mulch after transplanting with decaying 



