Tre^ Cullure. 21 



II will ensure .1 cotnfoitablc provision for one'3 old nge, and for tim tender 

 jrt;\r.s of his children. The culture of trees also contributes to the devel- 

 o^)ment of the moral and social susceptibilities. It tends to keep alive 

 »Qd strengthen the sentiment of love for home. It makes better citizen* 

 and purer patriots. 



" I'ut then," whispers an objector, "the uncertainty that trees will liva 

 and do well when planted, is a great drawback upon all this fine pros- 

 pect." I acknowledge that in growing trees, as well as corn and potatoes, 

 there can be no absolute guarantee of success. Yet this uncertainty may 

 bo greatly lessened by planting trees in the proper manner, remembering 

 that they are living, organized, digesting, breathing creatures, and not 

 dead posts. 



If one were solicitous to give to a tree the slimmest possible chance for 

 retaining its life, it could hardly be done more effectually, than by iniita- 

 tinLT the mode of planting adopted by some who aim to enjoy the luxury 

 of trees, their shade, and flowers, and fruitage, without paying tlie price 

 fixed by nature. They will begin, in case they are planting a sliade-tree 

 by dissevering the top, so that the remainder will be a bare pole, without 

 leaf or branch. Next they will dig a hole of the smallest dimensions that 

 will receive the routs, which are crammed into it with as little of cere- 

 mony as one would use in mowing away corn stalks. Finally the hard, 

 barren earth is thrown back upon the roots, and the doomed tree is left, 

 without protection, for the cows to rub their necks against. Of course, 

 it "kicks the bucket" in a few weeks, and the owner reproaches himself 

 for having wasted ten minutes in its planting. 



This mode of procedure is a waste of time, and a shame to him who ia 

 guilty of its practice. But there is a better way. It should be remem- 

 bered that a tree cannot grow without roots-^that it cannot tlirive with- 

 out strong and healthy roots. They serve the purpose of a mouth, and 

 take in nutriment from the soil. Therefore, the roots should be carefully 

 protected, when a tree is transplanted. If an evergreen, its roots should 

 on no account be suffered to become dry. If it is found necessary to 

 shorten in the roots, this should be done without bruising or mutilating 

 them. As many as possible of the small fibres and spongioles should be 

 •'pared and saved from injury. 



A tree cannot live without leaves. They are its lungs. By means of 

 them it respires and perspires. It inhales carbonic acid gas, and after 

 the carbon is incorporated with the vegetable system, it throws back the 

 cxvgen upon the atmosphere. Therefore, a tree, when franspianted, 



