SOIL FOR AMERICAN PLANTS. 25 



also more liable to be injured when it freezes, 

 by the water which is in the root, becoming ice. 



This draining of the borders is, therefore, the 

 first thing to be considered ; after which, fill ' 

 them with a mixture of light loam, sand, and 

 bog-earth, if you have it in sufficient quantity ; 

 if not, you must be contented with the loam,^ 

 some sand, and a very small quantity of rotten 

 leaves ; you should let the borders remain un- 

 touched a few days, to allow the loose earth to 

 settle, or sink down, before you plant the roots, 

 &c. 



As to the border for American plants, the soil 

 should be entirely sandy or bog earth. As 

 rhododendrons, the magnolia glanca, azaleas, 

 and laurels, grow large, they should be planted 

 t the back of the border, and not too closely 

 together. I should say that rhododendrons 

 should be at least five feet apart, or they will 

 C 



