HO W TO PLANT. 121 



But we have not had the benefit of this 

 class of trees as much as we might have done, 

 because they have been regarded as so diffi- 

 cult of cultivation that many have not even 

 attempted it. The frequent failures of those 

 who have attempted it have given, it must be 

 confessed, much reason for discouragement. 

 Who has not seen these trees, looking bright 

 and fresh at the time of planting in the door- 

 yard or on the lawn, very soon beginning to 

 take on that reddened hue which is the sure 

 sign of departed vitality? 



The most frequent cause of failure has been 

 ignorance on the part of the planter, and often 

 also on the part of those of whom he has pro- 

 cured the trees, in regard to the peculiar 

 character of this class of trees, and the pecul- 

 iar treatment therefore demanded. The ever- 

 green or coniferous trees have a resinous sap, 

 to say nothing of any other and minor pecul- 

 iarities in which they differ from the broad- 

 leaved or deciduous trees. If this resinous 

 sap is once allowed to be checked in its flow 

 or hardened by the exposure of the tree-roots 

 to the drying influence of the sun or wind, 



ii 



