A Descent into rarucuars 75 
lower than the plant is tc be set. In removing, loosen the 
ground all about a plant or shrub, and if it holds fast, run 
your hands down among the roots, and lift them gradually so 
as not to break them. Take up earth in a mass about the 
roots, if possible, and it is well to water the plant thoroughly 
before attempting to remove it, which prevents the earth from 
scattering from the roots. Make a puddle of water in the hole, 
set in the plant, and draw in the loose soil gradually, working 
it in carefully among the roots which should be spread out; 
pour on more water and fill up the hole, pressing down the 
earth with the hand, or very lightly with the foot. Do not 
trample hard, for the roots are often tender or brittle. Reset 
the plant as deep as it was before, taking care not to allow the 
earth to settle among the stalks in the crown. Make a slight 
depression about the plant so that, when watered, the mois- 
ture will collect and sink in gradually. By taking these pre- 
cautions I have transplanted large specimens in full flower 
without the slightest injury. Firmly rooted plants or shrubs 
should be lifted after a heavy rain storm when the earth will 
be found to be loose and mellow to a great depth. 
Ferns add interest to beds of any color. I do not know 
their exact botanical names, but I have taken perhaps six va- 
rieties of native ferns from the woods, and have disposed them 
in various beds with good effect. They may be taken up 
either in early spring, or, by cutting back, may be trans- 
planted successfully in midsummer, if shaded for a few days 
and well watered. Contrary to the common belief, both ferns 
and cardinal flower may be given full sun and rather a dry 
location, provided the soil is rich. I once had a cardinal 
flower given me when in full bloom, and as there seemed little 
chance of saving the bloom I took no pains to shade it for a 
while; but it bore the change well, continued to blossom and 
the following year was greatly increased in height and vigor, 
