EVERGREEN TREES. 157 
up Evergreen trees, in a dry, windy March or April day, 
and the earth was shaken from the roots, and then they 
were strewn over the ground and allowed to remain there 
until the packers were ready to receive them, which might 
be that day, and perhaps not until the next. 
When Evergreens or other trees are transplanted from 
_ one’s own seed-beds or nursery, a moist cloudy day can be 
chosen, and as much time given as required. If the soil is 
light, then it is best to pack it firmly around the roots so 
that too much air can not reach them; and if the soil is 
dry, and rain does not soon follow, give the soil a good 
soaking so that it will fill all the interstices between the 
roots. But watering trees, as a general thing, is useless, 
especially if planted in the early spring. I know it is 
more or less recommended in all books on gardening ; 
but who ever saw a nurseryman watering trees? I am 
quite certain that I have never had occasion to water a 
dozen in a constant practice of nearly twenty years, and I 
believe that my success in making trees live is at least 
equal to the average. 
TRIMMING EVERGREENS, 
Evergreens seldom require pruning, except when some 
particular shape is required; but they will bear the knife 
as well as other trees, and it will often resuscitate a feeble 
specimen where good culture has failed to do it. Those 
varieties vrhich can be taken up with a ball of earth, or 
with the roots almost entire, will need little or no prun- 
ing ; but there are other kinds which will be benefited by 
reducing their branches. Small trees are always preferable 
