26 BULLETIN 475, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGEICULTUEE. 
Up to the present this method has been followed only on the 
Kansas and Nebraska National Forests; it has proved rapid on both 
and successful on the Nebraska (PI. YII, fig. 1). The method, how- 
ever, is limited in its scope. It can not be followed on very steep 
hillsides, in soil that is rocky or filled with large roots, or on areas 
covered wdth brush or considerable down timber; and it is question- 
able if it would be successful in very heavy soil. In short, the method 
is not suitable for the greater proportion of the lands in the AYest on 
which forest planting will have to be conducted. 
SQUARE OR DEEP-HOLE METHOD. 
A square hole seven or eight inches across and about a foot deep 
is dug, either Avith a spade or a mattock; and for utility in planting, 
the soil removed is placed adjacent the hole (fig. 4). Properly, 
Fig. 4. — Deep-hole method. A, Digging hole ; B, partiallj- cover roots with loose moist 
dirt ; C, tamp dirt firmly about roots before filling hole full ; D, place objects about 
tree to prevent erosion and trampling. 
the soil removed should be kept in two separate piles; the moister, 
richer soil of the upper layer in one pile, and the lower subsoil in 
the other. The depth of the holes depends upon the size of the stock ; 
they should be deep enough so that the roots may hang straight down 
in their natural position when the tree is set at the same depth as in 
the nursery. The tree is held by the root stock with the fingers 
between the different ramifications of the roots so as to spread them 
apart. This is done with the left hand, while the dirt is filled in with 
the right. The moist, better soil is first drawn in over the roots and 
packed well around them with the fist; then the remainder of the 
soil is thrown in and part of it well packed, a portion lying on top 
being left loose to serve as a mulch. On slopes, the aim should be to 
leave the surface of the soil at the same angle as the slope of the 
planting site instead of leaving a depression in the soil. Where a 
depression is left, soil from above is apt to wash into it, or leaves may 
