46O THE PLEASURE GARDEN. [JAN. 



It is presumed, that in all cases the soil has been 

 properly prepared by trenching or digging, in the 

 previous intention of planting, and according to its 

 depth or quality, as particularly noticed in Sect. II. ; 

 that it is free, open, and well pulverised ; and that 

 pits or holes have been made for the plants, at the 

 distances specified in Section I. according to their 

 kinds, and the sizes of the roots to be planted. These 

 holes should be made sufficiently large, that the roots 

 may be properly spread out, and may not be bund- 

 led together; a thing often carelessly done, but much 

 against the welfare of the plants. Some indeed, in 

 order to save trouble, plant in a slit or gash, without 

 opening holes at all, which is much worse. Very 

 much of the success in planting depends on spread- 

 ing out the fibres regularly, and covering them 

 equally with fine earth ; so that pains should be 

 taken to break a little earth well with the spade, 

 for each plant in the first place, to place it properly, 

 and to fill in the mould slowly ; shaking the plant 

 gently, treading lightly round it with the foot, and 

 setting it perfectly upright. 



If the plants be large, and be anywise in danger 

 of being shaken by the wind, they should be care- 

 fully supported, by being staked ; especially those 

 with feeble stems, and of large foliage. Nothing 

 retards the growth of plants more than being beat 

 about, and loosened at root by the action of the 

 wind. Even very small plants, on which the wind 

 can have but little power, should be gone over from 

 time to time, and have the earth trodden firm to 

 their stems, if at all loosened. 



