PROPAGATION OF ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 51 



protected either by bending down the branches and covering 

 them with soil, or by tying them up to stakes, and binding 

 straw snugly around them. At the same time throw some 

 dung on the ground about the roots ; the longest of which 

 may be raked off on the approach of Spring, and the shortest 

 forked in, so as to manure the plants, and thus give vigour 

 to their rising shoots. 



Deciduous shrubs may be transplanted at any time after 

 they lose their leaves, and before the buds begin to expand in 

 Spring, provided the ground can be brought into good con- 

 dition to receive them ; the holes should be dug capacious 

 enough to held the roots without cramping them, and some 

 earth, well pulverized, must be thrown equally among the 

 fibres of the roots, which should be well shaken, and the 

 earth trodden down around the plants, until brought to the 

 level required. Evergreens should be removed carefully 

 with a ball of earth connected with their roots, and some 

 good mould should be provided to fill in with. 



The Spring pruning of shrubs and vines should be attended 

 to before the buds begin to rise ; say March in the Northern 

 States, and January in the South. In performing this busi- 

 ness, use a sharp knife, in order that all amputations and 

 wounds be cut and pared smooth, and in a slanting manner. 

 Divest the plants of all dead wood, superfluous branches, and 

 those which cross each other. Regulate the plantation in 

 such manner, that the natural form and habit of each plant 

 be retained as much as possible, and train the branches so 

 that the Sun can have free access to every part ; bearing in 

 mind the hints thrown out in the introduction to our Cata- 

 logue. Some shrubs and vines will need a Summer pruning, 

 merely to thin cut young shoots, superfluous wood, &c. and 

 to train straggling branches. 



