29 THE AMATEURS’ GUIDE 
perennials in root, generally hardy, and may be propagated from 
cuttings, layers, seed, suckers, and grafting. This highly es- 
teemed family of plants embrace numerous varieties. All dicidu- 
ous plants should be planted out as early in the spring as the 
ground will permit, and before the buds begin to swell. They 
may be planted, however, with some few exceptions, in the fall, 
after the leaves have fallen. They delight in a rich light loam. 
Evererrens.—These are generally employed for ornamental 
purposes, and comprise many varieties. They are of a hardy na- 
ture, retaining their foliage through the winter, making them 
very desirable. They should be planted out in March or April. 
If carefully taken up with balls of earth, evergreens may be suc- 
cessfully planted in any season of the year, damp and moist 
weather being selected for that purpose. The plants should be 
kept out of the ground as short a time as possible. Most: varieties 
of evergreens may be propagated by cuttings, and some from seed. 
In all seasons, situations, and soils, the plants should have a plen- 
tiful supply of water as soon as the earth is filled in around the 
roots. If this precaution is observed, the soil is carried down by 
the water, and the crevices about the roots become filled. After 
the water has settled, care should be taken to have the hole filled 
up even with the surface of the ground, to prevent the roots from 
being exposed. Ordinary garden soil will serve for evergreens, 
but if a rapid growth be desired, it should be moderately enriched 
with decomposed manure. Mulching is sometimes desirable. 
