A Descent into Particulars 75 



lower than the plant is to be set. In removing, loosen the 

 ground all about a plant or shrub, and if it holds fast, run 

 your hands down among the roots, and lift them gradually so 

 as not to break them. Take up earth in a mass about the 

 roots, if possible, and it is well to water the plant thoroughly 

 before attempting to remove it, which prevents the earth from 

 scattering from the roots. Make a puddle of water in the hole, 

 set in the plant, and draw in the loose soil gradually, working 

 it in carefully among the roots which should be spread out; 

 pour on more water and fill up the hole, pressing down the 

 earth with the hand, or very lightly with the foot. Do not 

 trample hard, for the roots are often tender or brittle. Reset 

 the plant as deep as it was before, taking care not to allow the 

 earth to settle among the stalks in the crown. Make a slight 

 depression about the plant so that, when watered, the mois- 

 ture will collect and sink in gradually. By taking these pre- 

 cautions I have transplanted large specimens in full flower 

 without the slightest injury. Firmly rooted plants or shrubs 

 should be lifted after a heavy rain storm when the earth will 

 be found to be loose and mellow to a great depth. 



Ferns add interest to beds of any color. I do not know 

 their exact botanical names, but I have taken perhaps six va- 

 rieties of native ferns from the woods, and have disposed them 

 in various beds with good effect. They may be taken up 

 either in early spring, or, by cutting back, may be trans- 

 planted successfully in midsummer, if shaded for a few days 

 and well watered. Contrary to the common belief, both ferns 

 and cardinal flower may be given full sun and rather a dry 

 location, provided the soil is rich. I once had a cardinal 

 flower given me when in full bloom, and as there seemed little 

 chance of saving the bloom I took no pains to shade it for a 

 while; but it bore the change well, continued to blossom and 

 the following year was greatly increased in height and vigor, 



