86 WORCESTER COUNTY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. [1893. 



cheaply and surely — provided it be slowly — indeed at almost the cost 

 of one's own care and labor ; while at a larger but still moderate cost, 

 and with the advantage of experienced advice, it can be secured in a 

 shorter time. 



Before attempting to state a few general principles for laying out 

 grounds, let us briefly consider of what size it will be best to secure 

 our trees. My experience has resulted in a belief that it is best, as a 

 rule, to set out comparatively small trees, — in the case of evergreens 

 say not over four or five feet high ; and to use a considerably greater 

 number than will eventually be needed, in order that they may give 

 mutual protection until tney become well established. The deciduous 

 trees — whose branches can be trimmed in, so as always to bear a 

 proper proportion to the roots — might be set out from six to eight 

 feet high. Shrubs are best with ample roots and small tops in pro- 

 portion ; this rule will also apply to vines. 



I think it is generally safest to apply these rules, and where there 

 is any question as to the size of a tree to choose the smaller size ; 

 as this will have the greater chance of succeeding. No cast-iron rule 

 can be laid down which will apply to all cases. If the site for plant- 

 ing is an exposed one the trees should be small ; but if they are to be 

 set out where it is already protected by existing woodland, which will 

 afford shelter to the new trees, there will be fewer required, and those 

 that are planted can safely be larger than if in an exposed location. 

 It seems to me that the sizes I have named represent a fair average. 



In setting all ornamental trees the ground should be thoroughly 

 prepared beforehand, unless seedlings are to be set, when a slight 

 spading may suffice. To prepare thoroughly for trees of the sizes I 

 have suggested, remembering that we are striving for good success, 

 it is best to dig the holes about four feet in diameter and two or more 

 feet deep ; fill them with good loam, and for deciduous trees, shrubs, 

 and vines, spade in some good manure. 



Every man who plants ought to do so intelligently, and should find 

 a pleasure in personally studying his own requirements. I would 

 advise everyone who is fond of trees to study the habits of growth 

 of a few deciduous species by planting the seeds in three or four 

 boxes, after the method suggested by Mr. Dawson in his paper in the 

 Mass. Horticultural Society's Transactions for 1885,* which is quite 

 simple. 



Ornamental planting must be adapted to the conformation of the 



*Part 1, page 168. 



