PROPAGATION OF ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 53 



forked in, so as to manure the plants, and thus give vigour 

 to their rising shoots. 



Deciduous shrubs may be transplanted at any time after 

 they lose- their leaves, and before the buds begin to expand 

 in spring, provided the ground can be brought into good 

 condition to receive them ; the holes should be dug capacious 

 enough to hold the roots without cramping them, and some 

 eaith, well pulverized, must be thrown equally among' the 

 fibres of the roots, which should be well shaken, and the 

 earth trodden down around the plants, until brought to the 

 level required. Evergreens should be removed carefully 

 with a ball of earth connected with their roots, and some 

 good mould should be provided to fill in with. 



The spring pruning of shrubs and vines should be attended 

 to before the buds begin to rise ; say March in the Northern, 

 and January in the Southern States. In performing this 

 business, use a sharp knife, in order that all amputations and 

 wounds be cut and pared smooth, and in a slanting manner. 

 Divest the plants of all dead wood, superfluous branches, 

 and those which cross each other. Regulate the plantation 

 in such manner, that the natural form and habit of each 

 plant may be retained as much as possible, and train the 

 branches so that the sun can have free access to every part ; 

 bearing in mind the hints thrown out in the Introduction to 

 our Catalogue. Some shrubs and vines will need a summer 

 pruning, merely to thin out young shoots, superfluous wood, 

 &c, and to train straggling branches. 



