178 THE FLORIST AND 



from the woods is a very different affair. I have had less success with tulip 

 and hickory trees than with any others, because they depend so much on 

 their tap roots. In transplanting large trees their roots should be kept as 

 entire as possible, by following them carefully out for a great distance from 

 the stems. 



I consider moist weather in midwinter the best time for transplanting all 

 kinds of large trees, both evergreen and deciduous. It is well to drive 

 stakes in the ground a short distance from the roots, and to fasten the 

 trunks by wires, as a support in windy weather ; the wires should be 

 fastened to a small hoop placed around the trunk. I have witnessed very 

 few failures by this practice, but have seen many by the "frozen ball" sys- 

 tem. Of all the follies in transplanting trees this appears to me the greatest. 

 I have practised it to a great extent, much against my will, but always con- 

 demned it in my mind. I do not say that trees will not grow by this sys- 

 tem, for I have been very successful, but they could never be compared to 

 those planted with entire roots. All deciduous trees should have their 

 branches shortened when transplanted, and all large ones should have them 

 thinned out, and two-thirds of the previous season's growth of those which 

 are left should be cut in ; this will retard vegetation, and prevent too great 

 a draught of sap from the roots, before they have had time to form new 

 fibres. The branches will make lateral shoots, which will shade the stem, 

 which is very essential the first year. Evergreen trees are seldom ever 

 pruned when transplanted ; indeed, I have never seen any necessity for it, 

 but evergreen shrubs had better be clipped around with hedge shears. 



The next consideration is to have the plants properly matured before 

 removal ; vines, shrubbery, and young trees in nurseries, are almost imme- 

 diately matured after the fall of the leaf. All kinds of woody plants are 

 safely transplanted from the first of November to the middle of April, and 

 sometimes earlier and later. Some years ago, I got three maple trees on 

 the third of May, and planted them on the sidewalk of a house in the upper 

 part of this city, where they are still growing ; another year I got a great 

 number of deciduous trees of large size in the middle of October, and planted 

 them at Tacony, where they now flourish. I mention these circumstances 

 to show what can be done, but would not advise the practice. 



Evergreens may be transplanted from the middle of September to the 

 middle of May. I prefer fall planting for all hardy plants where the land 

 is sloping, but where it is springy or retentive of moisture, or is apt to be 

 inundated in winter or spring, then I would prefer spring planting. The 

 digging of large holes, spreading out their roots in their natural positions, 



