TRANSPLANTING. 



137 



by itself, down near the stem, letting it fall down towards 

 the extremities of the roots, and introduce it carefully 

 with the hand among the roots. Having thus covered the 

 lower roots, those above should also be adjusted and cov- 

 ered with the same care, and when all are well covered, 

 water may be given with advantage, unless the soil and 

 weather are moist. If not watered, when the roots are 

 well covered, the earth should be moderately pressed upon 

 them by treading the soil, (being careful not to injure 

 them,) if the ground is light and friable, but by no means 

 if wet. After watering or treading, the remaining soil 

 should be put on, leaving the collar of the plant covered 

 a very little deeper than before, (in the case of trees some 

 two inches,) and the looser and drier this surface soil is, 

 the better will it resist drought. If the body of the tree 

 is held firm by tying it to a stake, it will prevent the loosen- 

 ing of the roots by the action of the wind upon the tops. 



Checking undue Evaporation until the Plant is estab- 

 lished. — The maintaining the balance between the top and 

 root of the plant is best secured by performing the whole 

 operation at the proper season, in mild, moist weather, 

 and with as much despatch as possible, meanwhile protect- 

 ing the roots from the air and sun ; by pruning severely 

 the tops of plants that admit the operation, thus lessening 

 the evaporating surface ; and by guarding with the greater 

 care from injury the roots of conifers and other plants that 

 do not. Removing a large portion of the leaves will like- 

 wise diminish the evaporating surface, and is very neces- 

 sary in planting hollies and evergreen oaks. Shade 

 from the sun those plants that require such protection, 

 (and nearly all are thus benefited,) and water to sup- 

 ply the absorbing extremities of the roots with an abun- 

 dance of food, that the increased quantity imbibed by each 

 may, in some degree, make up for their diminished num- 

 ber. Mulching the surface thinly after a rain is also use- 

 fal in preventing undue loss of moisture from the soil. 



