24 OF HYACINTH AND OTHER BULBS. [March. 



always, before planting, if the soil is not suitable, to supply 

 that which is congenial to the nature of the intended plant. 

 When shrubs or trees are to be carried to any distance, the 

 roots should be carefully kept from air, by tying damp 

 moss, straw or mats about them, as circumstances will ad- 

 mit: the success, in part, depends on due attention being 

 paid, to prevent the roots drying before planting. Although 

 we have given the above directions for planting in this 

 month, it will frequently occur, that they can only be put 

 into practice during the next, as this month is often the 

 severest of the season. 



OF HYACINTH AND OTHER BULBS. 



Towards the end of the month, if the weather proves 

 favourable, the covering should be partially taken off from 

 the Hyacinths, Tulips and other bulbous roots. It some- 

 times occurs, that, by careless planting in the autumn, they 

 are thrown above ground by the frost, especially if the 

 ground is inclined to moisture, and they not being deep 

 enough planted : if such is the case, cover them with de- 

 cayed leaves, old tan, or soil, whichever is most convenient ; 

 if not done, the sun and air will overpower the bulbs, and 

 although the fibres have hold of the ground, the flowers 

 will be miserably weak. 



MARCH. 



As soon as the frost is entirely gone, uncover all plants 

 or shrubs that have been protected, preserving carefully 

 such of the materials as will answer the same purpose next 

 season. Cut off all decayed shoots, or such as have been 

 hurt by the frost. The Lagerstrosmias will flower in 

 greater perfection, if they are pruned closely ; that is, cut 

 the shoots of last year, to within two or three eyes of the 

 wood of the previous year, at the same time having regard 

 to the regular and natural shape of the bush. Cut off the 



