254 THE FLORIST. 



the roots are very active, and are ready to draw water almost as soon 

 as the tree is transplanted ; but — again that implacable but — the wood 

 has become more soft and spongy, and the atmosphere warm and 

 drying, and evaporation goes on so very very fast, that the advantages 

 of the newly pushing roots is more than balanced. 



In whatever way we look at the subject, this conclusion is apparent : 

 that to be successful with tree-planting, evaporation from the branches 

 must be checked until the new fibres push. Let this be a recognised 

 principle. 



What will our readers say to the doctrine that deciduous trees can 

 be removed more successfully in May and June than at any other 

 season ? But it is a fact. It must be done in the usual way. The 

 leaves have to be stripped off, and the young growth shortened-in ; 

 evaporation is arrested, and the young roots, rejoicing in their newly- 

 found liberty, push forth in all directions, and sustain the tree at once. 

 New buds and leaves start immediately, and the tree goes on apparently 

 with very little check. [We would certainly prefer September. — Ed ] 

 Over and over again have we seen, during the past few seasons, 

 trees taken up in May and June, and in August and September, and 

 with the most complete success. 



It is more trouble, to be sure, to prune and strip the leaves from the 

 trees, and the whole care required to control this evaporation costs 

 more than trees planted in the usual time and way ; but to many a 

 man, labour is worth more in April, when everything has to be done at 

 once, than it is in June, when nearly all is finished up. 



Without making this chapter much too long, it is impossible to go 

 into the details of this idea as we would like to do. The reader must 

 apply the principle for himself. He must check evaporation till new 

 roots are produced, either by syringing, or shading, or pruning, or dis- 

 leafing ; he must do all he can to insure a rapid formation of new 

 fibres. He must, in fact, experiment and observe a little for himself; 

 and when he, as he soon will be, becomes master of the idea, he may 

 remove things at any time of the year when he has the most leisure 

 and inclination. G. W. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Azaleas and Camellias will now occupy sheltered places out-of-doors. 

 Do not allow the sun to shine on the pots, as it quickly absorbs all the 

 moisture from the ball, and frequently kills the plants in a few hours. 

 Attend well to keeping them supplied with water, washing the plants 

 overhead occasionally on the evenings of hot days. 



Auriculas. — These plants must now receive attention, after lying 

 dry and comparatively dormant for the last two months. The plants 

 will now require to be shaken out of the old soil, and repotted, using 

 moderately rich but well sweetened soil, to ensure a good growth during 

 autumn, and bloom next spring. After repotting, keep the plants 

 rather close in a frame or pit for some little time ; give air by degrees, 

 and in proportion as they draw root until they can be entirely exposed 



