20 THE MANSE GARDEN. 



you cannot choose for the operation of transplanting 

 a better time than the gloomy month of November 

 provided it be gloomy. Avoid a clear frost as 

 you would the fire of the dog-days. After some 

 mornings of rime, when you are sure of a week of 

 wet weather, seize the amiable opportunity; and 

 surely not a little may be said for an occupation that 

 can make a November drizzle more cheering than 

 the sunny dews of May. It is not intended that 

 this is the best time for lifting the more delicate 

 evergreens ; but hollies, though by mismanagement 

 the most readily lost, are not delicate ; and this is 

 the season which best secures all advantages to that 

 plant: its last year's growth is perfectly ripened, 

 and not one shoot will hang its head. In a dryer 

 season of the year, every thing newly transplanted 

 requires frequent watering, the trouble of which, in 

 this case, may as well be spared, and which, however 

 liberal, never equals the natural moisture; and by 

 the prevalence of the winter and spring rains, the 

 roots get thoroughly incased in the soil before the 

 period of growth returns. I venture to assert that, 

 by properly conducting the removal of hollies and 

 other hardy evergreens in this month, you will not 

 be able to pick up one fallen leaf, of one of a hun- 

 dred plants, before you see the young fresh buds of 

 the following spring. 



Have near the scene of your operations a plentiful 

 supply of water, as many small pointed stakes as 

 you have plants to lift, and a large clue of oakum 

 the shop name for single but strong threads of hemp 

 saturated with tar. Have, at least, two men with 

 strong new spades, and stand by them every minute ; 



