3 1 2 Notes and Gleanings. 



Hints on transplanting Shrubs. — In transplanting shrubs as well as 

 very small trees, a common error is to place them too deep in the earth. This 

 has arisen from the circumstance, that, by receiving more moisture, they often 

 succeed better the first summer, at the expense, however, of their subsequent 

 healthy growth. It is much better to plant shallow, imparting the necessary 

 moisture by means of a deep mellow soil beneath, and by mulching above. The 

 material for the latter may be short litter, manure, old tan, or leaf-mould. A 

 surface consisting of these materials, raised to the height of a few inches, will 

 occasion no injury whatever for a year or two, and will admirably equalize the 

 moisture of the soil. Manure used in this way operates beneficially, not only in 

 preserving moisture, but also in increasing fertility ; the properties of the manure 

 being carried down in solution by rains, especially if applied in autumn or winter. 



The contrast between the hard and baked surface too often witnessed when 

 the ground is left bare, and the moist and softened earth beneath a coat of 

 manure or litter, can be only fully understood by means of actual observation. 

 Its advantages were strikingly exemplified during the past hot summer. Young 

 trees and shrubs that were protected from drought by a coating of litter and 

 manure have not suffered in the least, while those not protected are perishing. 

 Staking may be in some instances necessary to prevent wind-swaying, or a one- 

 sided growth, where there are imperfect or unequal roots ; but usually, if the 

 shrub is furnished with good roots, and if care is taken while the earth is shov- 

 elled in to spread them all out like the rays of an umbrella, they will serve to 

 brace it evenly, and prevent a one-sided growth. Fixing by water, as it is termed, 

 is often sufficient alone to preclude the necessity of staking. 



Planting is most conveniently done by three persons ; one spreading out the 

 roots with his hands, and a second placing in the soil, while the third settles it 

 by pouring water from the rose of a water-pot. Although soft at first, the soil 

 in a few hours dries, and hardens sufficiently to hold the newly-set roots firmly. 

 In transplanting roses and some other small shrubs, sufficient pruning of the top 

 is rarely given. Climbing-roses, and those, generally, which throw up rapid and 

 vigorous shoots, will make a better growth by autumn if cut down to a few good 

 buds when planted out than if long portions of stem and branches are left : 

 these, indeed, not unfrequently draw so hard upon the roots as to cause the death 

 of the plant. On the other hand, I have seen shrubs transplanted in wet weather 

 with' entire success, after having grown six inches, by taking up all the roots 

 carefully, and drenching the soil well with water, at the same time very freely 

 shortenina: back the shoots. — Florist and Pomolo<rist. 



