TRANSPLANTING. 157 



509. In removing older plants, like trees and shrubs, 

 which have been undisturbed for a long time, the utmost 

 care is required in taking them up, to prevent the loss of 

 the small fibrous roots which often extend to great 

 distances from the trunk. 



510. The growth of the stem, or that part of the trunk 

 above ground with its leaves and branches, is in propor 

 tion to the extent of the roots, and the injury which the 

 latter sustain in transplanting may be counteracted, in a 

 measure by trimming off a corresponding portion of the 

 top. 



511. The laceration or breaking of the roots checks 

 the growth of the top in proportion to the injury or loss 

 of the root. In the natural condition of the tree there 

 are only roots enough to absorb the nourishment required 

 by it, and when a part of the root is cut off, or seriously 

 injured, the remaining part cannot, of course, furnish sap 

 enough for the whole tree. In this case, if a part of the 

 top is removed, less sap is required, the remaining roots 

 can supply all that is necessary, and the tree may thus be 

 saved. 



512. One method of obtaining good shrubs and trees 

 for ornamental purposes,. is to sow the seeds in beds prop 

 erly prepared. The soil used for this purpose should be 

 deeply trenched and richly manured to promote rapid 

 growth. It is most convenient to lay out the beds from 

 three to five feet wide, and to have the rows run across. 

 Early autumn is generally thought to be the best time for 

 sowing, though some prefer mid-summer. The seeds of 

 each species may be sown soon after they have become 

 fully ripe. 



