the laurel. 75 



whichever of these tools it is done, be careful not to 

 cut the foliage in twain. 



Two or three years after Laurels are planted some 

 cutting back will be necessary, for it is while it is 

 young that a good foundation for a permanent, hand- 

 some plant is to be formed. It is of little or no use to 

 allow the plant first to grow to its utmost limit, and 

 then to cut off one-half, or perhaps be compelled to 

 cut the whole of it quite down. 



When a Laurel has by some means or other become 

 of no value as an ornament, or useless for the purpose 

 for which it was intended, it is always the best plan to 

 cut it completely down during the autumn or early in 

 the spring. Numerous strong shoots will then spring 

 from the stool. These should be cut back a little in the 

 following spring, to insure a full- feathered plant below. 



The Portugal Laurel. 



The Portugal Laurel is not such a fast grower as the 

 common Laurel, but it is one of the best of the ever- 

 green ornamental shrubs. It should be pruned through 

 the summer by merely taking off the points of the 

 leaders ; this will induce a handsome and close growth. 

 If at any time it gets too bare at the lower part, cut it 

 back during the early spring or in the winter. If 

 standard Portugal Laurels for the lawn are wished for 

 (and for this purpose they are very handsome orna- 

 ments), cut off all the under branches close to the stem, 

 but not at the top, and allow the leader to advance as 

 fast as it can. When it has reached the desired 

 height take the top off, and continue to nip out every 

 shoot as soon as it has made six or seven inches of 

 growth. This will induce a handsome umbrella-shaped 

 head, representing an Orange-tree with its dark 

 foliage. 



Portugal Laurel fences are remarkably close and 

 beautiful if constantly summer pruned. Never sever 

 the leaves by using the shears, for if so clipped it will 

 utterlv spoil the beauty of the whole thing, and render 



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