214 



planting. Furthermore, in the fall there is not that hectic rush of 

 work that occurs in the spring; and. in consequence, it is possible 

 to do the job with the thoroughness that is so desirable. Lilacs 

 start into growth very early, often when the soil is still muddy and 

 therefore unlit for planting. If planting is deferred until the soil 

 is in a suitable condition the shrubs may in the meantime have made 

 considerable growth, and receive a slight check as a result of trans- 

 planting. Fortunately, however, the root system of the lilac is 

 fibrous and abundant and. because of this, planting may be effected 

 without too much injury no matter whether it is done in fall or 

 spring. 



The hole for the reception of the bush should be wide enough to 

 receive the roots without crowding them and deep enough to allow 

 the bush to be set an inch deeper than it was when growing in the 

 nursery. Fine soil should be scattered between and over the roots 

 and made linn by tramping with (he feet. The surface should be 

 slightly "dished" to facilitate watering, and a two-inch mulch of 

 partially rotted manure or leaves spread over the area occupied by 

 the roots. 



Lilacs transplant so readily that severe cutting back of young 



specimens to compensate for root injury is unnecessary, but it is a 



good plan at planting time to remove spindling and badly placed 



branches, and to shorten any shoots which spoil the symmetry of 

 the bush. 



Pruning 



The buds containing the inflorescences are formed in the fall to- 

 wards the tips of the branches. It can readily be seen that any ex- 

 tensive cutting back of the to]) during the dormant season musl 

 necessarily reduce the floral display the following spring — assuming 

 of course that the bush is sufficiently vigorous to produce flower- 

 buds. Therefore dormant pruning is usually restricted to the re- 

 moval ol dead wood, suckers, weak spindling wood, and insect- 

 infested branches. Sometimes it may be considered desirable de- 

 liberately to reduce the number of flower buds by thinning out 

 crowded branches, thus improving the flower-clusters by throwing 

 more strength into those remaining. 



