35 
If a wind-break of hardier evergreens, such as Pinus austriaca or 
Pinus sylvestris, be provided, evergreens may be grown with 
success in a flat wind-swept area. The essential and primary 
excessive transpiration of moisture au the foliage of ever- 
greens which must be guarded against. And as the wind greatly 
increases this transpiration, the more we can shut it out the better. 
The selection of a suitable place must be followed by proper care 
of the plants themselves. All evergreens enjoy and need each 
fall a generous top-dressing. This is to protect the roots from 
sudden extremes of temperature, and to guard against the drying 
out of the soil about them. This mulch should be three to five 
or six inches deep, and may consist of well-rotted manure in the 
case of conifers and some of the broad-leaved evergreens 
Leaves of deciduous trees form an excellent mulch for conifers, 
and cannot be surpassed 
e cultivation of -rhododendrons, the most desirable of our 
broad-leaved evergreens, great care must taken . exclude 
lime in any form, for they are very ra of t They 
are such charming plants, in winter with their masses i a 
foliage, and in summer witha sie shen of a bloom, 
that any care is not too great to expend u them. And i 
you ia ae even half care they ai eae ey to the 
treatm They will grow in open exposed sunny places, 
y 
prov: ded ae roots are kept cool and moist in summer and 
protected in winter from sudden changes of temperature. These 
winter and summer requirements may be met by providing a 
generous top-dressing of old leaves, those of the oak preferred, 
for their decomposition results in a slightly acid soil, a condition 
to which the rho . dendr ron pn other members of the heath 
family are very partial. This top-dressing should be replenished 
every fal! with ie a mae the gradual decomposition 
of these furnishing an ideal covering, keeping the roots in the 
best of condition. During periods of drought or of unusual 
dryness rhododendrons should be generously ea. This is 
especially necessary when they are exposed to the direct sunlight. 
e top-dressing should be kept moist at all times, never being 
