Feb.] OF PLANTING SHRUBS, ETC. 23 



« 

 thickly planted than it is intended to let them remain, the 

 small growing kinds may be six or eight feet apart ; the larger, 

 or taller sorts, ten to twenty feet, according to the condition 

 of the soil. 



Thick masses of shrubbery, called thickets, are sometimes 

 wanted. In these, there should be plenty of evergreens. A 

 mass of deciduous shrubs has no imposing effect during 

 winter; and, as this is not the proper season for planting 

 evergreens (April, and the end of September, or first of 

 October being best), small stakes can be placed in the des- 

 tined spot. Planting in rows, or in any plan of a formal 

 character, should, at all times, be avoided. 



In planting at this season, observe that the roots are not 

 much exposed to the air, especially if the wind be high and 

 sharp ; but it is always better, if possible, to defer the busi- 

 ness until good, mild weather. According to directions in 

 November, the ground will be well prepared, and only re- 

 quires a hole dug for the reception of the roots, which must 

 be considerably larger, that the roots may not be in the least 

 confined. Break the earth well at bottom, put in as much 

 as will receive the plant from one to two inches (according 

 to its size) lower than it has previously been in the Nursery. 

 If any of the roots are bruised or broken, cut them off; 

 then place the plant in the centre of the hole, breaking fine 

 all the soil that is put in, at the same time shaking the stem 

 a little, that the earth may mix with the roots ; when full 

 up, press all the soil down with the foot, that it may, in some 

 degree, consolidate about the roots, and support the plant. 

 Tall plants should have a good stake for support, and place 

 a small bandage between the stake and stem of the shrub or 

 tree, where the tie is made, to prevent the bark from suffer- 

 ing by friction. Observe, always, before planting, if the 

 soil is not suitable, to supply that which is congenial to the 

 nature of the intended plant. When shrubs or trees are to 

 be carried to any distance, the roots should be carefully kept 

 from air, by tying damp moss, straw, or mats about them, as 

 circumstances will admit: the success, in part, depends on 

 due attention being paid, to prevent the roots drying before 

 planting. Although we have given the above directions for 

 planting in this month, it will frequently occur that they 

 can only be put into practice during the next, as this month 

 is often the severest of the season. 



