184 THE FLORIST. 



conveyed any distance, need scarcely be told that early autumn is the 

 most appropriate season. There are, of course, many exceptions to 

 this as to all other general rules ; but as they do not affect the ques- 

 tion under discussion, nothing more need be said about them here. 



But the safe removal of a single tree is often of the greatest 

 importance to its owner ; and it sometimes occurs with amateurs and 

 possessors of small gardens, as well as others, that if a few shrubs 

 could be safely removed at seasons not ordinarily considered favour- 

 able to planting, great convenience, as well as much pleasure, would 

 result. 



That the majority of persons mostly interested in such operations 

 are by no means fully aware of what can be done in this way, the 

 numerous questions one hears addressed to those who are supposed 

 to know most of the matter fully testifies. 



" When can I safely remove the large Portugal Laurel opposite 

 my study- window ? It is grown too large, and obstructs the light so 

 much, that I must have it taken away before next season." 



" The evergreens on the lawn in front of my greenhouse have 

 grown so rapidly, though only planted four years, that I must remove 

 them. Pray, Mr. A , when will be the best season to insure suc- 

 cess ? I ought to have thought of it before now, 1 know ; but I can 

 scarcely endure them another year ; and, moreover, I wish to increase 

 my flower-beds, which I cannot till they are gone." 



" Dear me, I have remained away from home so long, that I fear 

 it is now too late to think of altering the outline of the shrubbery I 

 spoke to you about in the winter, as we can hardly effect it without 

 removing several of the large evergreens, and they are now in full 

 growth. Do you think I might still attempt it ?" 



These are but samples of the style of questions year after year 

 addressed verbally, or through the correspondents' columns of gar- 

 dening periodicals, by really garden-loving people, to those who are 

 looked up to as authorities on such matters. That information is 

 really needed is obvious ; and it cannot but answer some good pur- 

 pose to record a few facts on the subject. 



Two years ago some planting operations were unavoidably post- 

 poned till June. Among some plants then to be removed were a 

 number of Spruce Firs. Of course they were in full growth. The 

 young shoots were some inches in length, for it was the latter end of 

 the month. The weather was warm too, and no showers were fall- 

 ing. The trees were, however, removed and planted ; and I do not 

 think a failure occurred among a goodly number. For some days 

 after removal, and when the sun was full upon them, the young and 

 succulent shoots hung down like pieces of cord ; but the night-dews 

 greatly assisted them, and the morning generally saw them erect 

 again. They were of course removed as carefully as possible, and 

 were not kept out of the soil longer than was absolutely necessary. 

 Had the young fibres been subjected to the burning sun, and allowed 

 to become dried up, no care in any other way could have compensated 

 for the evil sustained. 



Well, the result of this, which may be termed an accidental sue- 



