_Laying Out in Rectangles with a Wire._ A wire, long enough to
reach down one side of the field, should be provided. Stretch
this straight out between two posts and mark off the distance
which the trees are to stand apart, upon it. At each point
marked, firmly twist a piece of small wire about the larger
one. These should then be soldered in place. It will not do to
have them shift. This wire may be rolled upon a roller when not
in use.
Measure off along both ends of the field and set small stakes
on the tree rows, at the marked places on the wire. Tightly
stretch the wire down the first tree row, attaching it firmly
at the ground level to a pair of good, stout posts. Then plant
a lath stake at each mark on the wire. Set all of them on the
outside of the wire, so as not to interfere with moving it.
When this row in completed, lift the end stake with the wire
attached, stretch on the second row, set the stakes as before
and repeat the operations until the work is completed.
_Laying Out in Hexagons._ Stretch the wire down one side of the
field and firmly set the tree stakes, or stake out the base
line by any method, firmly setting a stake for each tree. Then
procure two pieces of wire with rings at each end, the length
of each wire and ring to be exactly the distance between the
stakes as set on the base line. Stretch these wires out toward
the side where the next tree row is to stand. At the point
where the rings overlap set a stake for a tree. Remove wire
number one and set it on the third stake in the base line,
stretch the two tight and set a tree stake. Repeat as often as
necessary. In setting the third row of stakes, use the second
as a base line, and so on.
_Planting the Trees._ After setting a stake for each tree, the
ground is ready for digging the holes and setting the trees. A
planting board, such as is shown in the accompanying
illustration, should be provided. It is made of a piece of inch
board, four or five inches wide and five feet long. The ends
may be notched or holes may be bored in them. In the center of
one side, a notch, one and a half inches deep, should be cut.
Provide a large number of small wooden pins or sticks, about
one foot long and well sharpened.
When ready to dig a hole, place the planting-board so that the
notch in the side fits against the tree stake. Then place one
of the small pins in each of the holes or notches at the ends
of the board. Allow these to remain in the ground. Remove the
board and the tree stake and dig the hole.
[Illustration: FIG. 32. Planting-Board.]