274 GREEN HOUSE OF PRUNING, ETC. [August. 



well with the hand, until it will hold the ball one inch under 

 the edge of the tub. If there is from two to four inches of 

 earth under it, it is quite enough. Fill all around the ball, 

 and press it down with a stick, finishing neatly off with the 

 hand. Observe that the stem of the tree is exactly in the 

 centre. This being done, carry the tree to where it is in- 

 tended to stand, and give it water with a rose on the pot. 

 The earth will subside about two inches, thus leaving three 

 inches, which will, at any time, hold enough of water for the 

 tree. Trees thus treated will not require to be shifted again 

 within four or five years, having in the interim got a few rich 

 top-dressings. 



Frequently, in attempting to take out of the tubs those 

 that are in a sickly state, all the soil falls from their roots, 

 having no fibres attached. When there are any such, after 

 replanting, put them in the green-house, and shut it almost 

 close up ; there give shade to the tree, and frequent sprinklings 

 of water, until it begins to grow, when admit more air gra- 

 dually until it becomes hardened. Sickly trees should be put 

 in very small tubs, and a little sand added to the soil. Give 

 very moderate supplies of water, merely keeping the soil 

 moist. Tubs generally give way at the bottom when they 

 begin to decay, and in the usual method of coopering after 

 this failure they are useless, the ledging being rotten, and 

 will not admit of another bottom. The staves should be 

 made without any groove, and have four brackets nailed on 

 the inside, having the bottom in a piece by itself, that it can 

 be placed on these brackets, and there is no necessity of it 

 being water tight. Then when it fails it can be replaced 

 again at a trifling expense. A tub made in this way will out- 

 last three or four bottoms, and is in every respect the cheap- 

 est, and should be more wide than deep. When made in this 

 manner they are easier shifted ; you have only to set the tub 

 on a high block of wood, and drive the tub off with a mallet, 

 *vhen the tree can be easily replaced into another tub. Large 

 Myrtles and Oleanders may be treated in the same manner as 

 directed for the above. 



OF PRUNING ORANGES, LEMONS, ETC. 



These trees will grow very irregularly, especially the 

 Lenwn. if not frequently dressed or pruned. Any time this 



