DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN SHRUBS. 105 
planting, the 1st of July, and in August ; but, as a general 
rule, when they commence their growth, the last of May 
is the best time. It is indispensable that all large trees 
and shrubs be removed with good balls, and that the roots 
be uninjured. In planting evergreens, (and the same may 
be said of deciduous trees,) whether it be done on a dull 
day, a wet day, or a dry day, endeavor to keep the plants 
for as short time out of the ground as possible,—if only 
a few minutes, so much the better. If any quantity are 
to be planted, the plants should be “heeled in,” as it is 
termed, (that is, the roots covered with earth,) and taken 
out, as they are wanted. I have generally been success- 
ful, without watering at planting; but others think it ne- 
cessary, and one writer says :-— 
“Tn all seasons, situations, and soils, the plants should 
be well soaked with water as soon as the earth is put 
about the roots. Where the water is not at hand, so that 
it may not be easily carried or wheeled by men, a horse 
with a water-barrel on wheels should be used. As soon as 
the plant has been put into its place the earth should be 
filled in, leaving a sufficient hollow round the stem, and as 
far as the roots extend, to hold water, which should then 
be poured on in sufficient quantity to soak the ground 
down to the lowest parts of the roots; in short, the whole 
should be made like a kind of puddle. , 
“By this practice, which is particularly necessary in 
spring and autumn planting, the earth is carried down by 
the water, and every crevice among the roots is filled. 
Care must always be taken to have as much earth above 
the roots of the plants as will prevent their being exposed 
when the water has subsided. The best plan is to take 
an old birch broom, or anything similar, and, laying it 
down near the root, pour the water upon it; this breaks 
the fall of the water, and prevents the roots from being 
washed bare of such earth as may adhere to them, In 
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