PACKING, PRUNING, PROTECTION, ETC. 27 



often be found to have taken place during winter, and ere the ex 

 haustion by the leaves from growth in Spring, of their food laid up 

 in bud and bark the year previous, and the roots are again furnishing 

 their support. If, however, trees are removed in Spring, it often 

 happens, especially with cherries, that the supply of food previously 

 laid up is exhausted ere new rootlets are formed. Mulching, and 

 other cares, are often, therefore, more requisite, in order to keep the 

 roots, and prevent too rapid exhaustion in Spring-planted trees. 



Packing. Amateurs, as well as nurserymen, often have occasion 

 to forward trees to a distance, and it' is desirable that they be so 

 packed, as to ensure success when received. In order to do this, 

 they should be made into a bundle, with damp moss liberally mingled 

 among the roots, the larger trees upon the outside of the bundle, and 

 the small within ; tie securely with twisted straw bands, then take 

 long straw, lay it down about two inches thick, with its butts near 

 the centre of the roots of the bundle ; lay another layer, with the 

 butts four inches below the tops of the last, and so on, until you have 

 the length of the bundle. Now, lay down the bundle, and carefully 

 lay straw over it, in same manner as underneath, only commencing 

 at the top, so that when the cords are around it, all will be covered j 

 proceed with one end of the cord, first lashed to a strong root, U 

 bind it around, once in about ten inches, all the way to the top. If 

 intended to go any considerable distance, with risk of rough handling, 

 a stout stick should be packed in the centre of each bundle, extend- 

 ing about four inches beyond the tops of the trees. Next, lay down 

 a strong bass matt, or strong cloth, scatter on it straw, then moss, 

 and placing the roots of the bundle upon it, draw it up carefully 

 over, and secure it by strong pack-thread. If moss is not obtainable, 

 let the roots be well puddled, as it is termed, that is, dipped in a 

 thick clayey mud, but avoid packing leaves, grass, etc., among them. 



Care of Trees when received. Trees are often lost by not knowing 

 how to care for them when received after long voyages. If dry, 

 withered, or frozen, they should be unpacked and immediately bur- 

 ied, roots and tops, underneath the earth, and there left for some 

 days ; or, if late in the Fall, and they are buried where the water 

 drains off readily, let the roots be buried deep, while the tops have 

 only a couple of inches upon them. Trees received dry in Spring, may 

 be immediately immersed in a running stream of water, and after 

 the buds are swollen, planted out in some location for the season, 

 where the mid-day sun will not strike them, and where the earth can 

 be always kept moist by mulching, etc. 



Pruning. That certain principles of the nature and habits of a 

 tree, must ever be borne in mind in pruning, to ensure success, is 

 evident ; but that the cutting away of small branches, or twigs, if 

 correctly made, will materially affect the health and longevity of a 

 tree, whether made in Spring, just before midsummer, in Fall or Win- 



