XXXIV INTRODUCTION. 



tion of grit of any sort to the necessary extent, or char- 

 ring the earth itself, if practicable, are the obvious 

 corrections ; but efficient drainage ought to be first 

 attended to in such cases. In preparing a new site for 

 the cultivation of hardy perennials, it may not be neces- 

 sary, if the soil is naturally rich, to add anything of a 

 manurial kind in the process ; but in renewing old 

 borders that have been long occupied by such plants, 

 it will always be necessary to improve its condition to 

 some extent by adding manure. Any tolerably well 

 decomposed manure is suitable, but a renewal of the 

 earth is, if practicable, even more desirable. In any 

 case, the soil of old borders should be well trenched, and 

 thoroughly pulverised and mixed. 



The proper time to plant herbaceous perennials 

 depends on a variety of circumstances, but principally 

 on the constitution of the plants themselves, and the 

 nature of the soil and climate of the locality. The 

 directions as to the time for division given in the 

 descriptive part of this work under each subject are 

 equally applicable as to the time for planting, and it 

 will be safe to follow these directions as far as possible. 

 Generally speaking, however, the mass of vigorous- 

 growing perennials may be planted at any time after 

 growth is nearly matured ; and with skill and extra 

 precautions, many that may be lifted with balls can 

 be transplanted at any time short of or soon after the 

 period of their greatest activity, if circumstances should 

 render such a step necessary. Many bulbs, if carefully 

 lifted and the balls preserved, may be so managed even 

 Avhen in full flower, but such a course is not advisable 

 nor often necessary ; but the knowledge that it is prac- 



