the tree, but rather slope the soil down toward 
the trunk. The tree should set a little lower 
in its new place than it did in the old one. A 
little old rotted manure put on the surface of 
the soil is excellent for the tree’s growth, as it 
will not only supply fertilizer, but will also 
act as a mulch , retarding the drying out of the soil. 
Keep the ground about the tree well watered for two or three 
weeks, but do not use so much water that it will form a puddle at 
Fig. 3— Firming the 
soil. 
the bottom of the hole in which the tree 
was planted, as shown in fig. 4. Roots, as 
well as leaves and branches, need plenty 
of fresh air, and if the spaces between the 
soil particles are filled with standing water, 
air is excluded, the roots cannot respire, 
and will soon begin to decay. This will 
cause the entire tree to die. Many trees 
planted on Arbor Day are killed by having 
too much water as well as by not having 
enough. 
All summer long the newly planted tree should be thoroughly 
watered about once in every two weeks. Do not use a sprinkling 
can, but pour the water on until the soil is thoroughly wet, and 
the water begins to sink into the soil more slowly than at first. 
On the following day, stir the soil about the tree to a depth of 
about two or three inches, so as to form a loose layer of surface 
soil, called a dust mulch. This will greatly retard the loss of 
water from the soil by evaporation, and the tree will get the full 
benefit of it. 
Fig. 4— Too much water 
around the roots. 
After the tree is planted, it should be supported by being tied 
to a stake firmly fixed in the ground close to the trunk; and 
should be protected by a tree guard, or by wire netting placed 
around it. E. E. S. 
C. S. G. 
A TREE CLUB FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 
In 1910 was organized The American Association for the Plant- 
ing and Preservation of City Trees. During the first three years 
of its existence it was instrumental in securing the planting of 
nearly 3,000 trees in over twenty localities in Brooklyn. The head- 
quarters of this association are at the Children’s Museum of the 
Institute in Bedford Park. 
Any boy or girl who wishes to do so may join the Junior Branch 
of this association. This branch studies trees, and has raised a 
fund of about $150 for the planting of trees in our city streets. 
This fund has all been raised by the boys and girls by selling 
newspapers, tinfoil, old rubber and scrap iron, and about $100. 
will be expended this spring for tree planting in neighborhoods and 
school grounds. Just think how much three thoiisand new shade 
trees add to the beauty and attractiveness of any city! 
There are 3,000 members of the Junior Branch, so there has 
been planted one tree for each member. Every member has a 
neat bronze badge to wear, and meetings are held on. Saturday 
mornings at 11 o’clock, at the Children’s Museum, in Bedford 
Park. C. S. G. 
Figures 1-4 above are by courtesy of Isaac Hicks & Son, Westbury. L. I. 
