ON TREES AND SHRUBS IN LARGE TOWNS. 291 



vigorous shoots ; the other with shoots of more compact 

 and moderate growth. The former have been planted at 

 considerable distances apart when in a young state and 

 left to grow undisturbed for years, hence their vigorous 

 appearance. They are the most tempting to the eye, but 

 not really so good as the latter, which assume the less 

 vigorous form because they have been frequently trans- 

 planted from a young state. These latter are specially 

 desirable for town planting. The conditions under which 

 they have to live in the future are not over-favourable to 

 growth and longevity, and it is always a harder task, even 

 under the most favourable conditions, to transplant the 

 former with success. The former will please the eye best 

 when newly planted, but the latter will look and be the 

 best at the end of the first year's growth and afterwards. 

 And the cause of this is easily explained, even to those 

 who have but a limited knowledge of tree-nature. A tree 

 or shrub that has remained for a long time undisturbed in 

 the same place pushes its main roots downwards to a great 

 depth, and laterally to great distances, forming, as it does 

 so, but few fibres. Now, in removing such a tree when 

 sold, the roots are almost invariably shortened, and the 

 chances of life and prosperous growth seriously diminished. 

 But the frequently transplanted tree has shorter main roots 

 and more abundant fibres, all of which may be dug out 

 with the tree, and replanted with it in its next home, 



The question of how often trees should be transplanted 

 in the nurseries to be safe for removal is sometimes asked, 

 but it is not easy to give a precise and definite answer. 

 Some trees, as the Wellingtonia, are best removed once 

 yearly ; others, as Willows and Poplars, will stand very 

 well for four years, and there are intermediate cases ; but 

 none should be left undisturbed for more than four years. 

 Here, in choosing the style of tree, a practical knowledge 

 of gardening is almost indispensable, for it is not always 

 easy for the uninitiated to feel sure of his ground. Anyone 

 who has followed these remarks must see, on reflection, 



