202 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



order that they ma}' give mutual protection until they become well 

 established. The deciduous trees — whose branches can be 

 trimnoed in, so as alwa^-s 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 proportion ; this rule 

 will also apph" to vines. 



T 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 planting is an exposed one the trees should be small ; but if 

 they are to be set out where it is alread}' 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. 



Ever}- man who plants ought to do so intelligentl}', 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 b}' planting the seeds in three 

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

 paper in our Transactions for 1885,* which is quite simple. 



Ornamental planting must be adapted to the conformation of the 

 land and the uses to which it shall be put; therefore everyone who 

 owns a homestead, or farm, ought to have a good plan of its out- 

 lines, on which may be sliown tiie positions of woodlands, pasture, 

 tillage, and unprotluctive land ; also of the buildings, roads, and or- 

 namented grounds, and the kitchen garden. The watercourses and 

 the diflorcnces in level should also be shown. Such a plan continu- 

 ously kept, with revisions from time to time, is essential to the 

 best results. 



•Part I. page 168. 



