22 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



an old swamp, that has been exposed in a heap to the 

 frosts of at least one winter, and well decomposed leaf- 

 mould, in limited quantities, will also prove beneficial. 



When fertilizing materials are used, they should be ap- 

 plied to the surface, that the rains may carry the necessary 

 ingredients contained therein to the proximity of the roots, 

 which then gradually absorb the nourishment by degrees, 

 and are not entirely suffocated, as -is often the case when 

 an impatient planter indulges his passion for fertilizing, at 

 the expense of his favorite tree. 



After planting, it is highly necessary that the tree should 

 be securely fastened to stakes, for the purpose of prevent- 

 ing the action of strong winds from displacing it; and, at 

 the same time, it should be borne in mind, that the bark 

 must be protected by straw bands or matting, to prevent 

 rubbing. 



After carefully experimenting and watching with inter- 

 est for many years the proper season for transplanting ev- 

 ergreens, the author is compelled to add that so great a 

 diversity of sentiment is apparent among intelligent plant- 

 ers, that to advance any proposition as infallible would 

 be entirely absurd ; and yet no question is so frequently 

 asked a nurseryman as this. 



We know that many of our best cultivators frequently 

 advance theories that are exactly contrary to those that 

 we advocate, but as we are desirous of adhering strictly 

 to well-known facts, and recording the results of our own 

 experience in support of them, we request an impartial 

 trial of our doctrines before they are condemned. 



The generality of the order, among which are the Pines 

 and Firs, form and perfect their growth by midsummer. 

 At that period, during a long and rainy season, they may 

 be removed with excellent success ; but, should a drought 

 set in, woe betide the poor tree, for all the waterings 

 and mulchings that the anxious owner can bestow upon 

 his favorite, will not avail ; the plant will almost certainly 



