106 BKECK'S NEW BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



this way time is saved, for the water may be poured out 

 in a full stream from the pail, a watering-pot, or even 

 from a spout or pipe in the water-cart or barrel, when the 

 situation is such that this can be brought up to the plant. 



"After the first watering is dried up, the earth should 

 be levelled round the stem of the plant, and as far out as 

 the water has been put on, but not trod. If the plants 

 are large, a second watering is sometimes necessary ; but 

 in ordinary sized plants, one watering is quite sufficient. 

 And, after remaining twenty-four hours, more or less, ac- 

 cording to the nature of the soil, the earth about the stem 

 and over the roots should be trod as firm as possible, and, 

 after treading, should be dressed with a rake." 



The Situations in which the plants will thrive. With 

 regard to the situation in which each shrub should be 

 planted, little can be said here. To form a correct judg- 

 ment of this, a knowledge of the natural habits of each is 

 required. This knowledge may be easily obtained by re- 

 ferring to a botanical catalogue and other works treating 

 on the subject. Some shrubs love a dry and elevated sit- 

 uation, and will not thrive, crowded with others ; some are 

 rather tender, and must have warm and sheltered places; 

 others are very hardy, and will thrive if planted any- 

 where ; others, again, will not grow freely, unless they are 

 placed in low damp ground ; and others, do not flourish if 

 much exposed to the rays of the sun. 



The kind of soil best suited for them. With respect to 

 soil, hardy shrubs may be divided into two kinds, viz. : 

 first, shrubs requiring common soil ; and second, those 

 shrubs which require a peculiar soil. A rich, light, hazel 

 loam, undoubtedly suits the greater part of this first class 

 of plants, although many of the stronger-growing kinds 

 will make fine bushes on almost any kind of soil. The 

 "American plants," Kalmias, Rhododendrons, Androme- 

 das, etc., etc., will make the finest plants and the best 



