MODES OF PLANTING. 



137 



with the middle of the latter, holding it perpendi- 

 cidar by the top, while the other shovels in the 

 earth till the hole be filled, and the roots sufficient- 

 ly covered. The earth is then trodden down with 

 the foot to make the plant firm in its position, and 

 in this way the work proceeds till the whole is com- 

 pleted. 



Sometimes one person undertakes the whole ope- 

 ration, and, in that case, he uses a cross made of 

 two small sticks, which instrument is laid on the 

 mouth of the pit to keep the plant in an erect pos- 

 ture, while the earth is put upon its roots. This sub- 

 stitution of a stick for a man is not, however, to be 

 recommended but in cases of absolute necessity, as 

 it performs its part in a very indifferent manner. 

 Nor do its services save much ; for though it is an 

 assistant that demands no wages, it is at the same 

 time so awkward as materially to impede its living 

 coadjutor in the performance of his part of the 

 work. 



The perfection of this system of planting consists 

 in setting the plant perpendicular, in giving its 

 roots sufficient space to be straight and at full length, 

 and in properly fixing them. Bruised roots should 

 be cut off, and straggling ones shortened, previous 

 to planting. But that absurd method of proceed- 



