78 TRANSPLANTATION. 



they never lose those organs, as evergreens, 

 only at seasons when the atmosphere is peri- 

 odically charged with humidity for some con- 

 siderable time. 



Old trees in which the roots are much in- 

 jured form new ones so slowly, that they are 

 very liable to be exhausted of sap by the ab- 

 sorption of their very numerous young buds 

 before new spongioles can be formed. 



The amputation of all their upper extremities 

 is the most probable prevention of death ; but 

 in most cases injury of their roots is without a 

 remedy. 



Plants in pots being so circumstanced that 

 the spongioles are protected from injury, can, 

 however, be transplanted at all seasons, without 

 any dangerous consequences. 



On the subject of transplantation much dif- 

 ference of opinion exists, particularly as to the 

 most favorable period of performing this opera- 

 tion. Lindley has several pages of argument 

 in favor of transplanting in the autumn as soon 

 as the fall of the leaf indicates a recession of 

 the sap, and of course a stillness of vegetation. 

 I have planted many trees in England and agree 

 with him that November and December are the 

 most preferable months — but it is not clear that 

 the same arguments are true in this climate. 



