122 Ornamental Planting. 



479. In planting avenues of trees, it is best to have the holes all 

 dug before the young trees are brought upon the ground. The 

 holes should be deeper than the tree is to set, and wide enough to 

 allow the roots to be well spread. Some fresh soft, mellow, and fer- 

 tile soil should be thrown upon the bottom, before the trees are 

 placed, so as to bring up the tree nearly to the level at which it 

 formerly stood. 



480. Observations have been made to ascertain whether a tree 

 does better when set in the same position with respect to points of 

 compass that it stood in before planting, the conclusion being that 

 there was no perceptible difference. 



481. After spreading the roots, sprinkle over them first the richer 

 soil from the surface, so that it shall settle closely in among them, 

 leaving no void places. Then fill in the holes, putting the soil from 

 the deepest part on top. In prairie planting, and especially in dry 

 regions, there is no danger in pressing down the soil firmly over the 

 roots. In a strong clay soil, this practice would be injurious. 



482. The young fibers of the roots require moisture at once. In 

 a moderately damp soil, they can find it, but in a dry soil they 

 should be well wet as soon as planted, and in a dry season after- 

 wards until the plants are well rooted. 



483. The most effectual security against injury from drouth is in 

 mulching ; and for this, decayed chips, hay, grass, straw, or dead 

 leaves may be used. This practice will sometimes double the 

 growth in a single year, and save the life of a young tree. in dry 

 seasons. 



484. Before leaving the subject of planting in villages, we should 

 not omit to notice the advantages to be derived from Village Improve- 

 ment Associations, in the cultivation of a taste for rural ornament, 

 and the development of town pride and public spirit. In many 

 villages in New England and elsewhere, such associations have been 

 formed, and from the concert of action and unity of purpose that 

 they secure, they have done much to adorn and beautify their locali- 

 ties, thus rendering them more agreeable to their citizens and more 

 inviting to the transient visitor, and to those who may be seeking a 

 pleasant rural residence. 



485. To give these associations permanence and regularity, they 

 should have the form of a regular Society, with a Constitution, By- 

 laws, and rules of membership, and their object may extend beyond 



