CHAPTER II. 



EVERGREEN SHRUBS, ETC. 

 The Laurel. 



Notwithstanding that the common Laurel is so gene- 

 rally grown, either for use or ornament, we often find 

 it most improperly treated. This evergreen and in 

 many respects beautiful shrub is very frequently either 

 badly pruned, or not pruned in due time to maintain its 

 ornamental character. 



The Laurel should never be cut in with shears, as is 

 frequently the case; for by pruning it in this manner to 

 reduce it or to keep it in good order, all the beauty of 

 the plant is destroyed by the leaves being cut in 

 twain, and ultimately all the dead points of the 

 shoots that have been cut off with the shears will show 

 themselves. 



The clipping of the Laurel with shears cuts the 

 leaves in two and checks the circulation of the sap, and 

 is often amain cause of its final destruction. Let those 

 who do so consider that the leaves of a plant act as do 

 the lungs to animated nature, so that by severing those 

 organs the plant is deprived of its main developing 

 functions ; the consequence is a present failing of 

 colour and health, and a final failure of the plant 

 altogether. But when common Laurels require cutting 

 (which they always do to keep them in good condition, 

 and well feathered with foliage below, a feature of 

 much importance in all ornamental evergreens, whether 

 for detached shrubs or for break-fences) it should be 

 done with the knife or a pair of secateurs ; only, by 



