MARCH.] GREEN-HOUSEMYRTLES, &c. 1 59 



case the foliage is the same to the touch as when 

 green ; but in the latter, it is soft and dry. We have 

 observed trees in tubs and half barrels, with holes all 

 round their sides. This is a ludicrous idea, having the 

 appearance of keeping the water from reaching the 

 bottom of the tub or barrel. For the best kind of tub 

 for large trees, see August under this head. If any of 

 the trees have stunted, straggling, or irregular heads, 

 about the end of this month, or beginning of next, head 

 or cut them down to the shape desired. The old wood 

 will push fresh shoots. You may cut close, or shorten 

 less or more, according as you desire young shoots to 

 arise ; at the same time observe that you do not cut 

 below the graft or inoculation. Trees thus headed 

 down should be kept until May, and then planted in the 

 garden, (see May^) or if that cannot be done, turn it 

 out, and reduce the ball of earth by probing with a 

 pointed stick all round the sides and bottom of the 

 ball, cutting off any very matted roots. If any of the 

 roots are decayed, cut them into the sound wood. By 

 being thus reduced, it will go into the same pot or tub 

 if not a less one. Having a good supply of fresh earth 

 ready, put a few inches in the bottom of the pot or tub, 

 place the tree therein, and fill all round, at the same time 

 pressing it down with the hand or a stick. Give very 

 little water until there are signs of vegetation. 



MYRTLES, OLEANDERS, &c. 



These, with similar exotics, may be treated as 

 above. If any of them have been infected with the 



