204 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE, 



" The situation chosen should, if possible, present a variety 

 of aspect, the surface be varied, the soil a friable loam, and 

 the subsoil dry. If the last most essential condition is not 

 naturally present, it must be induced by art. To be able to 

 make choice of aspect will be of great service in assigning 

 suitable positions to each species ; and the varied surface will 

 contribute to produce a picturesque arrangement. 



" But it often occurs that persons are desirous of planting 

 ornamental specimens in situations where the natural soil is 

 wholly unfit for the purpose ; under such circumstances, each 

 tree will acquire a situation prepared for its reception by re- 

 moving in part, or wholly, the natural soil, and replacing it 

 with a more suitable compost. For that purpose nothing is 

 preferable to sound loam of an open texture. The surface 

 soil from a rough old pasture, if it can be procured, will be 

 admirably adapted : if it can lie a year or so to decompose its 

 vegetable matter, so much the better. But there are no 

 objections to its being used in a fresh state." 



" Planting. — Much of the ultimate success of a tree will 

 depend on this apparently simple operation being properly 

 performed. The situation chosen, being in regard to soil of 

 a favorable character, a space of at least ten feet in diameter 

 should be trenched for each tree, breaking up the soil from 

 two feet to thirty inches deep, well chopping it to pieces with 

 the spade, and if the lower soil is at all inferior, keeping the 

 surface mould still at the top. A good portion of leaf-mould 

 should also be incorporated with it, and the whole allowed to 

 settle before planting. Where any plant is likely to require 

 support, place in the centre of the spot to receive it a neat 

 strong stake, leaving it, however, no higher than about two 

 thirds the entire height of the plant. Having carefully dis- 

 entangled the roots, should they require it, spread them 

 equally over the spot prepared to receive them, with the stem 

 of the plant against the previously fixed stake. Now, with 

 some prepared compost, fill in amongst and over the roots, 

 adding sufficient to raise it as high as the natural " collar" 

 of the plant. If it is spring, and the weather dry, a good 

 watering should be given previously to placing the final cov- 

 ering of earth over the roots, and the whole should be slight- 



