DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. l07 



show, if they are planted in a soil composed for the most 

 part of sandy peat; but, in the absence of this, a very 

 good compost may be made for them of hght hazelly 

 loam, river sand, and vegetable or leaf mould, equal parts. 

 This may have a little peat earth mixed with it. After 

 having taken out the original soil from the proposed bor- 

 der to about a foot and a half deep, substitute the above 

 mixture in its place. 



To encourage the growth of Shrubs after being plant- 

 ed. — Whilst the plants are small, constantly keep down all 

 rank-growing weeds, and clear off all rubbish that would 

 otherwise retard their growth ; also they receive much 

 benefit by the surface of the ground being often stirred 

 with a Dutch hoe, as it prevents the surface baking hard in 

 dry weather. 



Watering shrubs,, except in peculiar situations during 

 dry summers, appears to be of very little if any benefit ; 

 on the other hand, it takes up much time, and is the 

 means of the ground bakmg hard when dried by the sun 

 again. When they have advanced to a large size, all the 

 care that is required is to cut ofi" the overhanging branch- 

 es, so as not to allow them to smother each other, or the 

 stems of those overhung will become naked and unsightly. 



