DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 105 



planting, the 1st of July, and in August ; but, as a general 

 rule, when they commence their growth, the last of May 

 is the best time. 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, endeavor to keep the plants 

 for as short time out of the ground as possible, — 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 success- 

 ful, without watering at planting ; but others think it ne- 

 cessary, 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 hollow round the stem, and as 

 far as the roots extend, to hold water, which should then 

 be poured on in sufficient quantity to soak the ground 

 doAvn to the lowest parts of the roots ; in short, the whole 

 should be made like a kind of puddle. 



" By this practice, which is particularly necessary in 

 spring and autumn planting, the earth is carried down by 

 the water, and every crevice among the roots is filled. 

 Care must always be taken to have as much earth above 

 the roots of the plants as will prevent their being exposed 

 when the water has subsided. The best plan is to take 

 an old birch broom, or anything similar, and, laying it 

 down near the root, pour the water upon it ; this breaks 

 the fall of the water, and prevents the roots from being 

 washed bare of such earth as may adhere to them. In 



