368 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF 



it with his hands under and closely around the roots and fibrous branches. The earth 

 must be thrown in slowly and in small quantities at a time ; as fast as thrown in it 

 should be rammed or trodden down until there can be no air spaces, and until every 

 rootlet is brought in close contact with the soil. No water should be used ; it is not 

 necessary. If dashed into the hole, as sometimes done, it is apt to wash the earth 

 away from the roots in places, leaving air holes. If water is used it is better to 

 sprinkle the sides and bottom of the hole before planting; also, the surface of the 

 ground after the work is done. Frequent and thorough ramming is necessary. 

 Young trees that have wilted and seemed to be dying, have been restored quickly to 

 life and vigor by using heavy rammers that brought the loose earth in contact with 

 the roots again. 



In addition to a rich soil it is highly essential that there should be good drainage. 

 Moisture is beneficial ; but if water collects around the roots the tree will die. Clay 

 is impervious to water, and if a stratum of this soil is found near the bottom of the 

 hole, drainage must be provided, either by digging a passage through it, building a 

 stone drain, or sinking a very deep hole which can be filled to a proper height with 

 broken rock, gravel or ashes. 



A tree should be set at the same depth that it formerly occupied ; but when the 

 hole has been filled the surface may be rounded up sufficiently to allow for the settling 

 of the earth. If exposed to strong winds the young tree should be "staked," and 

 fastened to the stake by strips of cloth or any appliance that will not injure the bark. 

 In setting out a forest tree it may be well to place it in the same position as to points 

 of compass which it originally occupied. A cloudy day is better for planting than 

 when the sun shines clear and hot. 



After the tree is planted the ground should be covered with a mulch, three or four 

 inches deep, of straw, hay or manure. The latter will serve, also, as a fertilizer. If 

 nothing else is done, the loose stones that came out of the hole can be thrown back 

 on the ground to keep it moist. For a few years the surface of the ground around 

 the tree should be loosened each season to prevent it from becoming dry and hard. 

 Grass and weed:; should be kept out, as they weaken the growth of a young tree. 



Although spring is the better time for transplanting, it may be desirable under 

 some circumstances where nursery trees are used, to order them in the fall, and then 

 heel them in until spring. " Heeling in" is temporary planting in a trench, or merely 

 placing them in the ground and covering the roots with a thick layer of closely packed 

 soil to exclude the air. They can be placed closely together, and should be set in a 

 slanting position with the tops inclined away from the prevailing winds. Heeling in 

 is also resorted to when nursery stock arrives before preparations have been made 

 for planting. 



