TRANSPLANTING LARGE EVEEGUEEN TRKES AND SHRUBS. 41 



V. — On Transplanting large Evergreen Trees and Shrubs. — 

 — By R. Glendiiiniug, F.H.S., Hon. Mem. Hort. Soc. of 

 Queen's County, Cor. Men). Hort. Soc. of Massachusetts, 

 U. S. A. 



(Communicated Dec. 4, 1848.) 



It is not my intention here to enter upon tlie yiropriety or im- 

 propriety of employing in rural impi'ovement large shrubs and 

 trees. It must be at least conceded tliat the effect which is 

 immediately j)roduced by their application as screens, or in 

 clothing naked and cheerless spots in the vicinity of the mansion, 

 is not unfrequently attended with the happiest results. That 

 depends, however, chiefly upon the success with \vliich the opera- 

 tions are conducted, and if the specimens are large the difficulty 

 and expense are necessarily greater, and in like proportion also 

 is the existence of the plants put in jeopardy. The disappoint- 

 ment arising from the death of a few small plants is compara- 

 tively of no moment — others can readily be substituted ; but 

 when large specimens have been removed, involving a great 

 outlay consequent on the operation, and placed in prominent 

 positions, their death is attended with painful sensations at the 

 loss of the plants themselves, and the total frustration of improve- 

 ment together with the delay of a season besitles are not the 

 most pleasing subjects to reflect upon. It shall be my object, 

 therefore, on the present occasion to lay before the Society the 

 result of my experience in this department of decorative im- 

 provement, and to point out the circumstances upon which 

 success mainly rests. 



Preparation of tiie subject intended for removal is the first 

 step towards a successful result. Large hollies, yews, cedars, 

 and similar ornamental evergreens intended for immediate effect, 

 should have their roots pruned any time before they begin to 

 grow. In some instances it will be better to dig a trench within 

 a reasonable distance from the bole of the tree, so as to retain a 

 ball no larger than can be transplanted. This trench should be 

 cut sufficiently deep all round the tree, and as much vmder it as 

 may appear necessary to get at the principal roots, which should 

 be cut through, and the soil again filled in. The wounds will 

 be completely healed by the autunm, and. numerous rootlets sent 

 out into the loose soil. The plant will be checked in its growth 

 and may probably become a little discoloured if it has previously 

 been in a vigorous state of gi'owth. It is quite true that objec- 

 tions will be urged to this previous preparation, because improve- 

 ments when suggested are at once commenced without nuich 

 consideration as to the propriety of the season ; consequently 

 the plants are removed quite regardless as to whether it is 



