2 Shelter. 



exposed locations, but not true of them in every position. Now, the hem- 

 lock is generally a perfectly hardy tree, and is found growing in the cold, 

 northern regions, on high hills and ledges ; but, when transplanted to 

 our private grounds, it often fails. We are frequently asked for an explana- 

 tion ; and to such a question we invariably answer. It needs shelter. In its 

 native forest it receives it. The ground is usually well mulched with the 

 leaves that fall from the trees, and is also protected by them, so that the 

 frost does not penetrate deeply. Then each tree protects the other ; as, in a 

 flock of sheep crowded together, no single sheep feels the- cold as much as 

 one exposed alone would. Then in the forest, or near it, on its outskirts, 

 the single trees are not so exposed to sweeping rough winds as in those 

 parts of the countiy where the wood has been cut off, or there never was 

 any to afford a shelter. The wind may blow ever so fiercely over the high- 

 est tree-tops ; but low down its influence is not much felt. Set out a hem- 

 lock-hedge in a bleak, exposed situation, as we have often seen them set, 

 and witness the result. Those of the plants that are not destroyed the first 

 winter will be quite likely to be the next ; and the owner condemns the 

 plant or tree as unfit for such a purpose, when, in fact, if it could have 

 received proper shelter from evergreen-boughs, straw, or even boards, until 

 it had got well established, the hedge would perhaps be safe. The same 

 will apply, in a measure, to all evergreens that are liable to injury from 

 severe weather in winter. In regard to grape-vines, some of them may not 

 be perfectly hardy even in the best season, and should always be covered 

 in winter to shelter them from freezing and thawing ; but others which are 

 considered hardy perish during an unfavorable winter with the more ten- 

 der varieties. Pear-trees have been destroyed, root and branch, — bearing 

 trees even ; while many others have had the extremities of the branches 

 killed back when considerably exposed to the cold winds. Even orna- 

 mental trees of some kinds have been injured from the same cause. What 

 is the remedy ? Shelter, we answer. We well remember some years ago, 

 after a season such as we had last year, followed by a hard w-inter, we had 

 occasion to visit the grounds of a well-known nursery-man near Boston, 

 and found his trees in the very best condition, and full of fruit, while in 

 gardens more exposed the result was ver}' different. Now, this garden 

 was in a cit}', and, besides, was well sheltered, on the east, north, and west, 



