50 GRASS PLATS AND WALKS. \_Mdrch. 



come unsightly : they never bear flowers on the old wood, 

 that is, wood of three or four years. Having a tendency 

 to throw out young shoots from the bottom of the stem, the 

 old wood should be cut out, thus encouraging the young 

 wood, which the second year bears the most and finest 

 flowers. In severe winters, the extremities of the shoots 

 are frequently killed, and we have often seen all the wood 

 black or brown, and apparently dead. When that is the 

 case, it is best to leave it until they begin to grow, which 

 will show what is dead or alive, when they can be pruned 

 to better advantage. 



DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL FLOWERING SHRUBS. 



The earlier the planting of these shrubs is attended to in 

 this month, the more will their growth and flowering be 

 promoted, having all finished before the buds begin to 

 expand. (For kinds recommended, see list, end of the 

 volume.) They should never be planted too thick, but 

 leave space for them to grow as they respectively require, 

 and according as they are designed for open or close shrub- 

 beries, clumps, or thickets. Have all in readiness, that it 

 may be done with as much expedition as possible, to pre- 

 vent their roots from being dried by the sun and wind in 

 time of planting. Make the holes intended for their recep- 

 tion round, capacious, and deep enough to hold their roots, 

 without confining them in the least, and loosen well the 

 bottom, putting new and fresh soil under their roots, break- 

 ing and pulverizing it during the operation, and frequently 

 shaking the plant as you progress in filling up. When 

 done, make all firm with the foot, leaving a circular cavity 

 to hold the water they will require during dry weather. 

 Give rods, and tie with bands all that need that support 

 before they are left, lest they should be neglected. Cut 

 off any of the bruised roots or irregular growths of the 

 branches. 



GRASS PLATS AND WALKS. 



A most wonderful renovator of grass plats may be found 

 in Guano take at the rate of one pound to twelve square 



