Planting 37 



it around the plant. Place one foot on each side of the 

 crown after the plant is set, and very close to it. Then 

 rise on the balls of the feet. A test of good setting is to 

 give the plant a quick jerk by one leaf ; if the leaf breaks 

 without disturbing the roots, the plant is set firmly enough. 

 Sandy soils should be rolled heavily before planting, and 

 perhaps after planting, also. If the crowns are too high 

 rolling may injure them. 



Depth of planting. 



When planted too deep, the crown is covered with soil 

 and rots. When the loose soil made by harrowing and 

 marking out has settled, the crown should be even with 

 or a trifle above the surface. Years ago it was considered 

 essential to spread the roots out very carefully upon a 

 small mound of soil in the bottom of the hole. Mound 

 planting is unnecessary; it is sufficient merely to keep 

 the roots from wadding. 



If the land is marked out both ways, do not set the 

 plants exactly in the center of the cross mark ; during a 

 heavy rain, water will run down the furrow and wash soil 

 over the crowns. Set the plant in one comer, just out- 

 side the cross mark, and use the same comer all the time 

 so as to keep the rows straight. 



METHODS OF SETTING 



The plants are set by hand, or with the spade, dibber, 

 hoe or transplanting machine. The dibber and spade 

 are used most commonly. 



Hand setting. 



On loose, sandy loams, properly fitted, the hole is 

 made easily with the hand, using one dropper to two set- 



