286 YARD AND GARDEN 



begin to tax all the energies and resources of 

 the trees, they are more likely to succeed. In 

 winter, for instance, a few days of sunshine 

 will prove a severe trial for even an old-estab- 

 lished tree; the leaves dry faster than the 

 frozen loots can replace the sap lost. A newly 

 planted tree, under such conditions, would suf- 

 fer severely, for the roots, broken and bruised, 

 would find the task too much for them in their 

 enfeebled condition. So far as transplanting 

 in summer is concerned, it must be remembered 

 that evergreens are far more sensitive than de- 

 ciduous trees to drying of the roots. The 

 presence of the resinous sap is the explanation ; 

 this, when slightly dried, hardens. On this ac- 

 count, avoid exposing the roots of evergreens 

 to the sun or wind ; even when conveying the 

 trees only a short distance, puddle the roots or 

 wrap them in wet sackcloth. See to it also 

 that all ragged ends of roots aie neatly 

 trhnmed, cutting off the liroken end square and 

 clean. But never prune the foliage. The 

 leader may be cut out if considered necessary, 

 but, further th-ui this, no trimming should be 

 done. Not enough can be accomplished in the 

 way of restoring the balance between root and 

 top growth to make the pruning of value, while 



