EVERGREENS 



Evergreens may be divided into two distinct 

 classes of form, namely erect and spreading, and 

 much good taste may be displayed in devising 

 agreeable relations between these types. There 

 are spots doubtless where evergreens of the erect 

 form have their place standing alone in isolated 

 beauty, but this erect form should be kept per- 

 fectly natural. The knife and pruning-shears 

 should never be allowed to mutilate them in 

 order to produce fancied symmetry which really 

 destroys their natural form. 



Certain freakish growth of branch or twig may 

 require removal on rare occasions, and a great 

 deal can be done by pinching and starting the tree 

 in the right way by stakes when small. But 

 when the tree assumes its specific form it should 

 be nourished and cultivated but otherwise let 

 alone. 



The list submitted below includes only ever- 

 greens that can be safely depended upon in the 

 climate of our Middle and Eastern States. If 

 they are likely to be exposed to specially cold 

 winds or other like vicissitudes of winter and 

 spring, it is well to protect them during their 

 earlier years with some loose covering like corn- 

 stalks, sheaves of straw, or boards. Coverings of 

 any kind which excl ude the air are inj urious. Need- 

 less to say, evergreens above all plants should have 

 fibrous roots produced by frequent transplanting, 

 should be planted in mellow, well-drained soil and 

 above all not too deeply. The soil should not be too 

 rich and stimulating, as evergreens are apt in that 



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