General Instructions. 



OF THE METHOD OF PERFORMING THE WORK OF 

 PLANTING. 



75. It was before observed tbat the roots should be exposed 

 to the open ah*, especially in dry cold weather, or dry hot 

 weather, but for as short a time as possible. Therefore, wheu 

 you take them to the ground^ where they are to be planted, 

 they should be kept covered over with mats or cloths, or 

 straw, or something that will keep their roots from the 

 wind and sun. Of the distances at which trees ought to be 

 planted, I shall speak under the names of the trees respec- 

 tively; but all trees must have their roots ])ut into the 

 ground; and, to do this well, there is but one manner. 

 I have before spoken, a little, of the proper weather for 

 planting; and have said, that it is a great mistake to sup- 

 pose that wet weather is the best. I have shewn, in my 

 Year's Residence in America, that dry weather is the best 

 for the transplanting even of turnips and cabbages. It is 

 the same with regard to trees, and the reasons will become 

 manifest in a moment. In dry weather; that is to say, 

 when the ground is not soaked with wet, the earth is fine, 

 or may be broken into that state ; and the most important 

 thing of all is that the earth should touch closely to every 

 part of the roots of the new-planted tree; and this it cannot 

 do, if it be in lumps, or if it be wet. There will be, in 

 such cases, hollow places amongst the roots; and a root 

 will mould and finally I'ot if not touched closely by the earth. 

 Mice and other vermin will also get into the cavities ; and 

 I have known a considerable part of a young orchard de- 

 stroyed by such means. Therefore, the best weather is that 

 which will enable you to put fine earth in about the roots. 

 Let us suppose a little tree, like that which is represented 

 in the plate, ready pruned for planting. The reader must 



