GENERAL CULTURE 189 
stirring about, and to “ settle ” it at once, in- 
stead of waiting for it to settle itself, establish- 
ing by so doing, close contact all around the 
feeding roots. While this tamping and filling 
in is being done, the specimen should be con- 
tinually jolted lightly up and down to induce 
further settling of the earth into obscure 
pockets and underneath and around roots that 
are beyond reach. Thus gradually it will sift 
into place, if the work is not hurried or 
slighted, and an almost complete restoration of 
the plant to its original condition will be ac- 
complished. 
As soon as roots are covered and the plant 
is fixed, the delicate part of the operation is 
done. The earth should continually be firmed, 
however, as it is thrown in by treading it down, 
until only a saucer-like depression over the en- 
tire hole alone remains. Stop here and fill this 
with water. It may take a pailful, perhaps 
less; more is hardly necessary although it will 
do no harm. Pour it in around the edges, 
gently so the earth will not be washed back or 
to one side, and let it have time to settle 
gradually. When it has all disappeared, fill in the 
remaining earth, not packing it, however, save 
with slaps of the shovel broadside. Leave at 
the last a half inch sprinkling of loose earth 
