HARDY DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 41 



kind of soil best suited to their growth, and the encouragement 

 given to enable them to thrive afterwards. 



The proper Season for Planting. As soon as the leaves 

 begin to fall, in October, deciduous trees may be planted with 

 safety, with few exceptions. Altheas, and some other sorts 

 liable to be winter-killed, had better not be removed until 

 spring. The spring planting, of all deciduous trees and shrubs, 

 should be done as early as possible, as soon as the ground 

 can be worked to advantage, and before the buds begin to 

 expand. 



Evergreens, in general, if carefully taken up, may be planted 

 with success in any season of the year, provided dull and 

 dripping weather be taken advantage of for that purpose. 

 There are particular seasons, however, when they will thrive 

 with much greater freedom than at others. I have been as 

 successful about the first of June as at any other time, and 

 have also succeeded in planting, the 1st of July, and in August; 

 but, as a general rule, when they commence their growth,- the 

 last of May. It is indispensable that all large trees and shrubs 

 be removed with good balls, and that the roots be uninjured. 

 In planting evergreens, (and the same may be said of deciduous 

 trees,) whether it be done on a dull day, a wet day, or a dry 

 day, it is very necessary to keep in view the expediency of 

 keeping the plants for as short time out of the ground as pos- 

 sible, if only a few minutes, so much the better. If any 

 quantity are to be planted, the plants should be " heeled in," as 

 it is termed, (that is, the roots covered with earth,) and taken 

 out, as they are wanted. I have generally been successful, 

 without watering as I planted ; but others think it necessary, 

 and one writer says : 



" In all seasons, situations, and soils, the plants should be 

 well soaked with water as soon as the earth is put about the 

 roots. Where the water is not at hand, so that it may not be 

 easily carried or wheeled by men, a horse with a water-barrel 

 on wheels should be used. As soon as the plant has been put 

 into its place the earth should be filled in, leaving a sufficient 

 4* 



