368 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



mon soil and old rotten wood from the forests, filling it in 

 carefully about the roots and covering the surface with sub 

 stances which will prevent too much evaporation of mois 

 ture, as litter, decayed weod, sods grass side down, etc., 

 etc 



The old wood employed should be thoroughly decom 

 posed ; and that of the hackberry, maple, and beech are 

 preferred. The decayed wood of the black walnut and oak 

 do not seem congenial to plants. 



When large trees are to be removed it is often done with 

 success in the winter, by opening a trench about the tree 

 and permitting the ball of earth to freeze pretty thoroughly. 

 The tree is then undermined and upon a sledge easily 

 removed to its destination. The hole for its reception 

 should have been dug while the ground was unfrozen, and 

 it will be necessary to wait until it thaws before it can again 

 be filled in about the tree. 



FLOWERS, LADIES AND ANGELS. 



IF ladies wish to get into the very best company pos 

 sible, we do not know of any pleasanter way than is detailed 

 in this beautiful scrap from a German poet : 



A flower do but place near thy window glass, 

 And through it no image of evil shall pass. 

 Abroad must thou go ? on thy white bosom wear 

 A nosegay, and doubt not an angel is there ; 

 Forget not to water at break of the day 

 The lilies, and thou shalt be fairer than they ; 

 Place a rose near thy bed nightly sentry to keep, 

 And angels shall rock thee on roses to sleep. 



And pray what will happen if a gentleman does all this ? 

 For one, we have a personal curiosity to know ; for we do 



