10 



may be adopted of forming the wood by means of plants raised elsewhere. This 

 method is to be preferred when there is danger of the young plants springing from 

 seed sown on the ground, being choked by quick-growing weeds. 



Only healthy, vigorous plants should be used, with a compact root- system and 

 a well developed head. There is more chance of success when plants are transferred 

 from a poor to a rich soil, than vice versa, and from high to low altitudes, and from 

 open to sheltered situations. 



The best age for planting out varies with the species. Some tropical species 

 grow so fast that the most suitable age for transplanting is when they are only a 

 few weeks old. In Europe most trees are planted out when they are from 2 to 4 

 years old. 



Transplanting is at best a violent operation, causing injury to the root system 

 and an interruption of growth . If possible, the root-system should be completely 

 imbedded in a ball of earth, when the plant is moved, but at any rate, the roots 

 should be disturbed as little as may be ; and the most favourable season chosen. 



The distance at which plants should be put out is governed chiefly by the 

 principle that the cover overhead should be established within a period of from 5 

 to 10 years. Young small plants should be planted closer than old and large ones. 



The following distances are recommended 



For Shade-bearing Trees 



Class of Plants. 



from 



to • 



Seedlings under 3 in. high 



Small transplants, from 1 to 2 ft. high 



Stout transplants, from 3 to 4 ft. high 



ft. 

 1 xl 



2x2 

 2f x2| 



ft. 



2x2 

 2f x 2f 

 4x4 



For Light- demanding Trees. 



Class of Plants. 



from 



to 



Seedlings (Scots Pine, Larch) under 8 in. high 

 Medium transplants, from 2 to 4 ft. high 



ft. 



ifxlf 



3JX3J 



ft. 



3*x3J 

 5x5 



The object of the plantation must be considered, whether timber or firewood is 

 to be produced ; whether pieces of large diameter or long boles are desired, etc. 



The distribution of plants over the area to be stocked may be done irregularly 

 by selecting spots by the eye at an average distance, or regularly according to geo- 

 metrical figures, of which the more common are the equilateral triangle, when 

 the planting spots are at the three corners of the triangle ; the square, four 

 plants being placed at the four corners of the square ; equidistant lines or rows, 

 in which case the plants stand at shorter intervals in the lines than the dis- 

 tance between the lines ; the quincunx form, which is a modification of the 

 square, there being a plant in the middle of the square as well as at each corner. 



PROTECTION OF PLANTS IN TRANSIT. 



" During transit, plants mu st be protested against drying up, and this refers 

 more particularly to the root system ; a few minutes of exposure often suffices to 

 kill the finer roots. 



" Ball plants possess already a good protection in the lump of earth in which 

 the roots »re imbedded. For transport occupying not more than one day, the 

 balls should be packed close together to prevent their drying up, and the earth 

 from being shaken off. Only in rare cases are such plants carried over long dis- 

 tances, the cost being too great. 



" Plants without a ball of earth should be at once protected. This is best done 

 by dipping the roots immediately after lifting into soft mud, which forms a thin 



