39() THE NURSERY. [May. 



[J'atcring neiv Plantations. 



Watering will be extremely necessary for all the new planta- 

 tions of the more curious and valuable sorts of evergreens and 

 flowering shrubs, and indeed for as much of the general young 

 plantations as it can be extended to with any tolerable degree of 

 convenience. It should be occasionally given to the leaves and 

 branches as well as the roots, for it will not only wash oft' any dirt 

 or filth which they may have contracted, but open the pores of the 

 plants, which, in dry weather, are many times almost closed, 

 whereby the trees sutler greatly; nor is the water poured about the 

 roots only capable of relieving them when in that condition; this is 

 one reason why rain is much more effectual than artificial water- 

 ing: these waterings should always be given in an evening after the 

 heat of the day is over, that the water may have time to soak down 

 to the roots, and the moisture be dried from the leaves by the 

 morning sun; for if watered in the forenoon, and there should 

 be a powerful sun soon after, the leaves are frequently scalded 

 thereby, the spherical drops of water which remain on their surface, 

 causing the rajs to converge to a focus, and act upon them as a lens 

 or burning-glass. 



But in watering, let it be observed not to give too much, as that, 

 in some cases, would be injurious; a little, and often, ought to be 

 the rule. 



Such plants as you have in pots should be treated as directed 

 hereafter for those of the green-house department. 



Propagating Evergreens, fyc. by Layers. 



About the latter end of this month begin to propagate such ever- 

 greens and other shrubs by layers of the young shoots of the pre- 

 sent year as do not succeed well by layers of the old wood. 



When the young shoots are from eight to ten or twelve inches 

 long, bring them down to the earth, and if strong, you may slit 

 them as directed in page 288, or if weak, give them a gentle twist 

 and lay them into the earth from two to six inches deep, according 

 to their size, leaving about two or three inches of the tops out of 

 ground; fasten them securely with hooked pegs and draw the earth 

 over the parts laid. When done, give them a moderate watering, 

 and repeat it occasionally, so as to keep the earth in a moist state, 

 to encourage their rooting. 



Trees and shrubs in general root very freely by this method, 

 which may be practised on the various kinds as they advance in 

 growth, both evergreen and deciduous, from the middle of this 

 month to the end of July. Many kinds will be well rooted by 

 October, and may then be taken oft* and removed. Such as are not 

 rooted by that time must be suffered to remain another year. 



Newly grafted and budded Trees. 

 Examine all kinds of trees and shrubs which were grafted in the 



