6 PLANTING. 



other things. Bygone generations planted chiefly in 

 rows and straight lines, and now nothing will please 

 but bends, curves, and irregularities. We know of no 

 standard or rule for the one system more than the 

 other ; and, indeed, if our ancestors erred in the 

 direction of straight lines, we possibly also transgress 

 in regard to curves. It is, indeed, a legitimate question 

 to ask, Why are we so fastidious as to the curves and 

 circles in plantation fences, when we do not object to 

 straight lines of railroads, rows of telegraph poles, 

 roads, furrows, ridges, field-fences, streets, rows of 

 houses, ribbon-borders, gardens, walks, and an infinity 

 of other things ? Practically it would be well to at 

 least modify our passion for curvilinear outlines of 

 plantations, especially seeing that the fences that now 

 protect them are usually of wire, or such other as can 

 only be practically and economically erected in straight 

 lines, and not in regular curves. 



The species of trees to plant, and how to arrange 

 and dispose of them so as best to afford shelter and 

 produce landscape effect, &c., must also be duly 

 considered. 



Planting may be defined as the work of putting a 

 plant into the ground to germinate or grow. The 

 word is very comprehensive in meaning, and is applied 

 to almost every kind of deposition of plantlet, root, 

 cutting, germ, or seed, whether in the garden, the field, 

 or the forest. 



Planting is a work of such vast importance that no 

 information respecting it should be withheld. Nothing 

 short of the most attentive observation, lengthened 

 practice, and protracted experience will enable any 

 one to acquire a competent knowledge of the art and 

 practice of planting. To attain success in it we re- 



