APR.] SHRUBS* 481 



time, and their tender fibres, in that case, frequently 

 perish ; besides, these are very liable to be injured 

 by frost, or frosty winds, in the act of transplanting, 

 and are more susceptible of such injury than the 

 fibres of deciduous plants. Next, they now begin 

 to vegetate, which is the nick of time for transplant- 

 ing any plant, if it can be hit ; that is, just when 

 the buds begin to swell, and unfold the new leaves. 

 The roots are then also active, and if the plant can 

 be suddenly lifted an4 replanted, it will hardly re- 

 ceive a check. 



The success of transplanting very much depends 

 on how long the plant is out of the earth. No doubt 

 often on the size of the plant ; and it may be noted 

 here, that evergreens, in general, succeed the better 

 the smaller they be. That is to say, plants under 

 two feet high are to be preferred to those of greater 

 size. Tall plants require to have a staff in their 

 hands, on which they will lean, and wait patiently 

 till small ones grow over their heads. No doubt, 

 sometimes for a particular purpose, it may be proper 

 to transplant large plants, and if very carefully done, 

 and if they be well watered and supported, they may 

 succeed. But a plantation of any considerable ex- 

 tent, will acquire a body and figure sooner, by being 

 formed with small plants, than with large. 



To these reasons may be added, that we frequent- 

 ly have showery weather in May, and so by plant- 

 ing evergreens about the end of April, take advan- 

 tage of such showers ; for no artificial is nearly 

 equal to natural watering. 



