172 A GARDEN OF PLEASURE 



rules the garden has lately forced us to 

 remove a large English yew from the 

 spot which it has occupied for many 

 years. It was pushing its dark growth 

 right into the beautiful grey foliage of 

 an Abies amabilis. So last month the 

 grand move had to be arranged. 



To watch the transplanting of a tree is 

 a choice amusement of autumn in the 

 garden. The work begins early in the 

 morning. Two, three, four hours or more, 

 according to the size of the tree, is taken 

 up with digging round and throwing out 

 the earth. The roots and rootlets have to 

 be carefully separated : not cut or severed 

 more than is necessary. The tree is tied 

 close with strong cords : all its lower 

 branches bound up together. The head 

 gardener watches and gives his orders 

 quietly, jumps down into the trench, and 

 lends a hand himself with spade or pick : 

 walking round, returning again and again. 

 Silently, cheerfully, the men work. A 

 wholesome fragrance of new earth spreads 

 upwards in the air. The labour is severe, 

 but at last the tree stands free, with a great 



