ing moved with a large mass of soil, a square hole will be found
handier than a round one, on account of the additional room given by the
corners.

The time to plant is of much importance, for though deciduous trees may
be transplanted throughout winter, October, November, February, and
March are preferable to December or January. October and November are
the two best months, as then the ground is warm and root action begins
before winter sets in.

If the trees are simply to be transplanted from one position in the
garden to another, the work may be begun in the case of deciduous trees
as soon as the leaves turn colour and commence to fall. In lifting, take
care not to injure the roots. When putting the spade into the ground the
edge should be to the tree, not the face. Digging must begin at a
reasonable distance from the tree, and if a ball of soil is not
required, the soil should be forked from between the roots into a trench
which has previously been made round the stem. If, while lifting, any of
the main roots have suffered, cut the injured parts away with a sharp
knife and tar over the wounds. When planting, the tree should be stood
in the hole, and a stick laid across the top of the hole near the tree
to ascertain whether the depth is right, sufficient space for an inch of
soil over the uppermost root being allowed. The centre of the hole
should be filled in slightly higher than the sides, and on the little
mound the tree should be stood, laying the roots out carefully all
round. When filling the soil in, some fine material should be worked in
among the roots with the hand, and before the hole is fully filled in
give a good watering; this has the effect of settling the soil well
about the roots. The amount of ramming necessary depends on the
consistency of the soil. After a tree is planted in early autumn a
mulching of rotten manure may be given, but if the planting is done in
spring the mulching is better left until early summer when the ground
has become warmed.

[Illustration: _STAKING TREES._]

After planting, staking, where necessary, should be attended to. It is
not necessary to stake every tree that is planted. When it is sturdy,
with a well-balanced head and set of roots, and the position is not
exposed to rough winds, staking is needless. If, however, the stem is
weak or the roots are mostly on one side, not spread round the tree, or
the position is very exposed, staking for a time will be necessary.