FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 367 



be avoided, and all the slender rootlets should be secured as far as possible. The more 

 earth that can be taken up with the roots the better. A solid lump is not necessary; 

 but whatever soil clings to the roots should be retained and not allowed to fall off 

 through jolting or careless handling. 



The stem of the tree should be cut back from the top; but the frequent method 

 of pruning a forest sapling down to a bare pole is not advisable. It is better to allow 

 three or four of the lower limbs to remain, selecting those which will give the best 

 arrangement; and then, in cutting them back, leave one bud on each. This will make 

 a better shaped tree in time. 



The severe pruning of the transplanted tree is necessary on account of the loss in 

 its roots. The more roots are cut off, the greater the amount of pruning needed. 



There must be a new growth of root fibres before the young tree can support its 

 foliage safely. The leaves of a healthy tree are nourished by the sap which is drawn 

 from the roots as fast as needed; but if this tree is transplanted the supply is partially 

 cut off until new roots and fibres are formed to replace those lost in transplanting. If, 

 during this period, the leaves and branches are allowed to keep on draining the sap 

 they will exhaust the supply in the tree before the new roots are grown, and the tree 

 will soon wither or die. 



Having dug up the tree examine the roots carefully; cut off cleanly and smoothly, 

 with a sharp knife, all the bruised or broken ones, cutting them back to the sound 

 wood. Then these roots will not decay, and the new fibres or rootlets will grow 

 quickly. If there is a long tap root it should be shortened to conform to the depth 

 of the hole in which the tree is to stand. Do not allow the roots to be exposed to the 

 sun or wind; cover them up immediately with damp straw or bags. If the fibrous 

 roots become dry through lack of this precaution the work will probably 

 prove a failure. 



The holes in which the planting is to be done should be dug before the trees arrive; 

 and the earth for filling should also be in readiness. The holes must be large enough 

 so that the roots can be spread out in their natural position without cramping them in 

 the least. It is well to dig the holes so that there will be a foot or more of additional 

 space on all sides, and of ample depth This is especially necessary in poor soil. In 

 digging, throw the top soil to one side, and cart awaj the poorer earth which came 

 from the lower part of the hole. In place of the latter use a rich soil, one-fourth 

 manure, thoroughly mixed, worked until it is fine, and free from lumps, sods, or 

 stones. Use no manure unless it is thoroughly mixed with earth ; if it touches the 

 roots it will burn or rot them. 



In setting the tree two men are necessary. One is needed to hold the tree 

 upright ; the other will be fully occupied in shoveling in the earth and then working 



