AND FLOWER-GARDEN DIRECTORY. 51 
3. When planted in the fall, the soil does not settle around 
the roots of plants as in the spring, the same being exposed to the 
alternating freezing and thawing of the soil, which, to say the 
least, is very injurious. 
4, When planted out in the spring, before the buds begin to 
swell, they soon commence throwing out new roots, become early 
established, and will, in a few weeks at most, amply repay for the 
protection afforded them during the winter. — 
Crowding plants should be avoided, and frequently prove inju- 
rious. Where the grounds are limited, the best varieties only 
should be planted. Distribute the plants to suit the taste, care- 
fully avoiding formality or studied effect. In setting out plants, 
particularly roses, excavate a hole about eighteen inches or two 
feet deep, and place a few pieces of soft brick, broken flower-pots, 
&c., in the bottom, and cover with soil three inches deep, and so 
on in alternate layers of fragments and soil, till you have the same 
filled up just sufficient to admit the plant to its original depth. 
If the plants are in pots, turn them bottom-upward, holding your 
hands on either side, and gently tap the edge of the pot against a 
post, or other solid object, which will displace the ball of earth un- 
broken. Moderately loosen the outer edges of the earth surround- 
ing the roots, and straighten such as are matted which may pre- 
sent themselves. Hold the plant in an upright position and insert 
the same in the hole prepared to receive it, filling in the soil be- 
tween the roots, draw the same up around it, and press with the 
foot about the sides to keep it in its position. Prune moderately, 
water, and secure to a stake by tieing. 
PRUNING. 
In order to become proficient in this all-important operation, it 
is essentially requisite to understand the nature and habit of the 
plant to be operated upon. This can only be done by practice. 
The chief difficulty in pruning which’ the Amateur experiences 
