all, and make the hole considerably larger and slightly
deeper, breaking up the bottom well. When the tree or shrub is in
position ram the soil tightly round it until it is about two-thirds
covered, when the hole should be completely filled with water, covering
in the remainder when the water has drained away. The stem must also be
made secure by means of stakes or cords, otherwise wind will cause
damage to the roots.

When the ground is dry under a tree that is to be moved nothing should
be done until it has been thoroughly soaked. To do this a trench 2 feet
deep and as narrow as possible should be taken out all round, and
gradually filled in with water, pouring it in steadily, away from the
ball rather than to it, and persevere with this watering till the ball
of soil under the tree is thoroughly saturated. Leave it for at least
twenty-four hours to drain. Three points must not be forgotten: (1) Wrap
the ball of soil securely round with canvas as soon as possible; (2)
never use the stem of a tree as a lever in moving the ball--this should
always be moved from below, and the stem never touched on any account;
(3) always allow plenty of room for working.

Moving large trees is not easy and must not be lightly undertaken. It
involves much time, labour, and expense, in most cases far more than the
trees are worth. Trees 8 or 10 feet high may be easily moved, but above
that height the work should be done by an expert. Trees and shrubs of
considerable size can be purchased at a moderate price from good tree
nurseries, where they have been regularly transplanted, and if carefully
planted will soon make good specimens.

It is in the planting of trees that so many failures occur as a rule. A
good tree may be obtained, arrive in excellent condition, and yet be
planted in such a way that success is out of the question. The fault, as
a matter of course, is put on the man who supplied the tree, not on the
one who killed it by improper planting. Those who think of moving large
trees or shrubs should not do so until the probable cost has been
considered, and the advice and help obtained of some one who has handled
big trees before. The expert will be able to say if a tree can bear
removal, or whether it is better destroyed, and its place filled with a
young and vigorous specimen from a nursery.

CHAPTER XXI

YOUNG TREES AND SUNSTROKE

It is most noticeable that the stems of young trees of from 8 to about
14 feet in he