274 REARING. 



bium causing the union to take place ; and allowing the bark to sepa- 

 rate easily from the wood, so as to prevent laceration and bruising of 

 the vessels in separating them. If the bark does not rise freely 

 from the stock when the handle of the knife is inserted, it is not likely 

 the bud will succeed ; and the same if the shield of the bud does not 

 part freely from its wood ; if either of them has commenced ripening, 

 or if the sap has not begun to run or flow, the labour will be in vain. 

 In order to ensure the cut being smooth, and no laceration of the bark 

 of the shield taking place, the best of all methods (especially for such 

 barks as the cherry and plum, which will not bear handling, and are very 

 apt to spoil) is to mark the size of the shield intended, all round the 

 bud with the point of the knife, cutting into the wood, and then intro- 

 ducing the thumb at the side of the bud, and raising it off with a 

 gentle squeeze. If the shoot is growing vigorously, it will spring out, 

 without any difficulty, so clean and smooth on the edges, as greatly to 

 facilitate the success of the operation. By the common method if the 

 bark is much handled, the shield of the bud is apt to be spoiled at the 

 edges before insertion. 



Rearing. 



The operations of rearing in horticulture are those which are 

 required to bring plants to that particular state of bulk, succulence, 

 colour, or flavour, for which they are cultivated in gardens and garden 

 scenery. These operations may be included under transplanting, plant- 

 ing, potting, pruning, training, thinning, weeding, watering, stirring 

 the soil, blanching, shading, sheltering, and protecting. 



Transplanting and Planting. 



To transplant is to take up a plant with its roots, and to replant it 

 again in such a manner that it shall continue to grow. In some cases 

 the roots are taken up enveloped in soil and entire, as in transplanting 

 plants in pots ; and in others they are divested of soil, and more or less 

 mutilated, as is the case in all other modes. In whatever manner a 

 plant has been originated, whether by seeds or by some modification of 

 division, the first step in carrying on its cultivation is most commonly 

 transplanting. 



The uses of transplanting are : 1. To afford more room for the 

 growth of the top, and for stirring and manuring the soil about the 

 roots. 2. To produce immediate effect in scenery, by placing trees or 

 shrubs in particular situations. 3. To supply deficiencies in planta- 

 tions already made. 4. To limit the extent of the main roots, and to 

 increase the number of fibrous roots, within a limited distance of the 

 stem of the plant, and thus to fit it for being removed, with all its 

 roots, when of a large size. 5. To retard the growth and flowering of 

 certain plants, and by that means to increase the bulk and succulency 

 of their foliage. 6. To inure plants to particular soils and situations, 

 and to hasten and establish the fertility of fruit-bearing trees. 



The theory of transplanting is founded on the tenacity of life com- 



