296 THE FLORIST AND 



Preparation of the Trees and Soil for Planting.— We should never hesi- 

 tate about thorough trenching and making deep holes before planting. The 

 rapid growth of the trees will amply repay the expense. The preparation of 

 the soil is commonly performed tolerably well, but as much cannot be said of 

 that of the roots. Planters are often seen shortening the roots of a tree as 

 if they could make use of the portions cat off; they call that trimming the 

 root. Some, more careful, allow the roots to remain at full length ; but there 

 are many who, instead of spreading them out as the hole is being filled up, 

 content themselves with throwing in the soil and treading it when the roots 

 have been sufficiently covered. In conseqeence of this the flexible roots take 

 a bad direction, by reason of the weight of the earth, and they are frequently 

 squeezed into bundles, in which the weakest ones become hot, moist and rot- 

 ten. 



Another bad practice should be pointed out. It consists in introducing the 

 earth among the roots by means of a pointed stake. Many old planters would 

 think they planted badly if, whilst holding the tree in one hand, they had not a 

 well-pointed stake in the other; with this they make many thrusts through the 

 earth that is thrown on the roots, severely bruising the latter and making 

 many excoriations. A stake is only used in the case of large trees which can- 

 not be shaken, and the roots of which are too large to be lifted and directed by 

 hand. When the stake is used, care should be taken not to injure the roots 

 between which it is introduced. 



When apple trees are finally planted they no longer require what are called 

 the attentions of rearing; other operations, however, become necessary ; but 

 too frequently neglects and accidents await them. — Gard. Chron. 



[To be continued.'] 



CULTIVATION 0? THE EUROPEAN CRAPE IN AMERICA. 



Houston, Texas, Sept. 27, 1852. 

 I cannot refrain from tendering some information to your paper, and, if 

 agreeable, my best services with reference to your suggestions as to the 

 grafting of European Vines on robust American stocks in your number of 

 the 2 1st ult. (see p. 531, 1852.) In this neighborhood an opinion prevails 

 that the European Grape cannot under any circumstances be successfully 

 cultivated, but this opinion I hope to find erroneous, inasmuch as I believe 

 it to be founded in entire ignorance of the soil in which it delights, and on 

 an impression that the climate and soil of this country can work impossibil- 

 ities, and that pruning, and other means of husbanding the energies of a 

 plant are here perfectly unnecessary. In this locality a native Grape known 

 as the Mustang, or wild Grape, grows with extreme luxuriance, both on the 

 sandy banks of streams and the heavy alluvial soil of the prairies ; and al- 





