EVERGREENS. 113 



better still. Upon this, cast in the surface soil previously 

 removed, well chopping it with the spade as the work 

 proceeds, filling up with a sufficient quantity of pre- 

 pared soil, that after settling it shall be a few inches 

 below the natural surface; for, by securing a good 

 depth of well-stirred soil for the retention of moisture, 

 and keeping the surface of the beds perfectly flat and 

 below the surrounding surface, to prevent the rain 

 from running off without passing through the mass, 

 the main points of success are secured. But it will 

 be necessary in many situations to make drains from 

 the bottoms of the beds, to allow the escape of 

 superfluous water, and to prevent the soil, in which 

 the plants are growing, from becoming saturated and 

 unhealthy. During dry weather, after the beds are 

 planted, the surface should be kept constantly stirred, 

 for the double purpose of preventing the growth of 

 weeds, and, by maintaining a smooth surface, retarding 

 the evaporation of the accumulated moisture. Should 

 an excessively dry season occur, the beds may with 

 advantage be covered with the short grass from the 

 lawns, or some similar material. If the beds are 

 contiguous to trees, especially Elm or Ash, they are sure 

 to be invaded by a legion of roots, which will, in a few 

 seasons, if allowed unmolested possession, appropriate 

 the greater part of the nourishment they contain. But 

 as we recommend American plants in such and all dry 

 situations to be re-planted, and the soil trenched to a 

 depth of two feet every autumn, and the whole depth 

 of the beds every third or fourth year, there will be 

 nothing to fear on that head ; and the soil from being 



