50 FLOWER GARDEN PLANTING SHRUBS, &c. [FEBRUARY. 



from another, in order that they may be the better 

 shown off. But, if it is not desired that they should be 

 thicker planted than it is intended to let them remain, 

 the small growing kinds may be four or five feet apart; 

 | the larger, or taller sorts, six or eight feet, according 

 to the condition of the soil. 



Thick masses of shrubbery, called thickets, are 

 sometimes wanted. In these there should be plenty of 

 evergreens. A mass of deciduous shrubs has no im- 

 posing effect during winter; and, as this is not the pro- 

 per season for planting evergreens, (April and Octo- 

 ber being best,) small stakes can be placed in the 

 destined spot. Planting in rows, or in any plan of a 

 formal character, should at all times be avoided. 



In planting at this season, observe that the roots are 

 not much exposed to the air, especially if the wind be 

 high and sharp ; but it is always better, if possible, to 

 defer the business until good, mild weather. Accord- 

 ing to directions in November, the ground will be well 

 prepared, and only requires a hole dug for the recep- 

 tion of the roots, which must be considerably larger, 

 that the roots may not be in the least confined. Break 

 the earth well at bottom, put in as much as will receive 

 the plant from one to two inches (according to its size) 

 lower than it has previously been in the Nursery. If 

 any of the roots are bruised or broken, cut them off; 

 then place the plant in the centre of the hole, breaking 

 fine all the soil that is put in, at the same time shaking 

 the stem a little, that the earth may mix with the roots 

 when full up ; press all the soil down with the foot, that 

 it may, in some degree, consolidate about the roots, 



