The apparatus is made somewhat in the form of a four-wheeled lorry, having a steel frame only. The frame at the back is made movable to admit of the apparatus being placed so that the tree to be moved stands in the centre of the machine. Two stout planks with guide rails are laid across the trench, and the machine is backed on to these. The machine is constructed with four iron rollers, lying along over the side frame and parallel with the frame. Around the rollers a chain is wound, the loose end being fastened to the planking which has been placed under the ball of earth containing the roots of the tree. The rollers are worked with a specially made screw-gear, which is self-sustaining, and can be moved to draw up or lower at will. [Illustration: FAULKNER’S TRANSPLANTING MACHINE.] The illustration given clearly shows the apparatus with the tree being lifted for transportation. Barron’s transplanting machine is also well known, and with this much valuable work in the removal of large and heavy trees and shrubs has been accomplished. CHAPTER XIV THINNING PLANTATIONS In the successful rearing of timber trees for profit there is, perhaps, no other branch of more importance than a good knowledge of the art of thinning, and, at the same time, one on which so great a diversity of opinion exists. Thinning plantations, be they old or young, must always be subject to great modification, according to the nature of the trees and soil, or ultimate design of the plantation being operated upon, and is a matter requiring great tact, forethought, and discrimination, and this can only be acquired by long experience and by those having a good insight into the peculiarities and properties of our forest trees. The same rule as regards thinning will not apply to, say, fir, hardwood, and mixed plantations; and far less will it hold good in the case of an ornamental and a profitable wood. No universal rule can, however, be laid down for thinning, but general principles can be given that will be sufficient for the guidance of those who have to undertake such work.