174 Care in Planting lrees 
depth is that at which the irce had stood im its original site, 
«hich usually can be readily recognized by a color line at 
, . . ne a : 
_the base of the stem. If planting in very light soil, which 
is easily penetrated by air, the tree may without harm be 
set somewhat deeper to allow for settling. In such soil, to 
set the tree too high is even more detrimental than to set it 
too low. 
To secure the proper depth, fill in some of the soil, mound- 
ing it up and firming it at the center of the hole to nearly the 
height at which the tree is to stand, then, placing the tree 
over this mound, arrange its root system in natural position, 
and have an assistant (two can plant with more satisfaction 
than one) place some soil lightly over the outlying roots, 
while slightly pumping the tree up and down to get it just 
in the proper place; but one must be careful not to have 
too much soil on the roots or to pump too vigorously, thereby 
rearing off rootlets. Then, first fill in near the stem suff- 
t to make the tree firm, and then proceed to fillin ovér 
the feeding roots. Iti is in in this part of the operation that the 
final success lies: to brin ring ro ‘ing rootlets and soil in in closest contact 
must be the aim; it is attained by using fingers and hands, 
or else by judicious use of water, small quantities at a time, 
which will wash the soil particles between the rootlets. 
The Use 0 of water requires judgment and is in part influ- 
enced by the ‘cHaractéF and condition of the soil. In loose, 
sandy, well-drained soil an erCeSs of moisture can hardly 
be obtained. Here, geriérous application “of water during 
and after planting can only be beneficial. But in a compact, 
stiff, caking, clay soil, a free use of water is apt to. lump the 
soil and prevent close contact with rootlets, leaving air 
spaces Between Toots and soil; finally, a superabundance of 
water without chance of drainag®at 1 the bottom may induce 
rot. TH SICH Sitwations, for~best results, make the holes 
