several hours before planting, or ^^ heeling-in," so that the earth will 

 adhere to them. If they should be frozen, place the package unopened in 

 a dark cellar and leave long enough to thaw out. Freezing does no 

 harm if they thaw in this way. 



When selecting ground for plants, remember that few things will 

 grow in wet soil. When planting, always dig a larger hole than the 

 roots require, as it is important that the ground should be loosened to 

 provide for good drainage, fresh air and moisture. Set the plant in the 

 ground in its natural position and a little bit deeper than it was grown, 

 fill in the earth slowly, taking care to work it in carefully around and 

 under the roots. Then pour in a pail or two of water, and finish by filling 

 in more dry earth and treading down firmly with the feet, so as to keep 

 the air out and get the roots in close contact with the soil. 



Pruning. — AYhen transplanting any kind of deciduous shrubbery, 

 vines or trees, pruning or cutting back the top is always necessary, be- 

 cause, while undisturbed, a healthy tree has roots enough to supply it 

 with all the nourishment it needs ; but, when the roots are disturbed or 

 injured by being moved or transplanted, it is unable to supply the proper 

 nourishment to the leaves and branches until new rootlets are formed, 

 and during this time the tree must live on the sap it has already stored 

 up. If this becomes exhausted, the tree will die. To prevent this, it is 

 necessary to prune or cut away the top and branches somewhat in 

 proportion to the injury sustained by the roots, which can safely be 

 estimated at from one-third to one-half. To a beginner, this may seem 

 severe treatment ; but it is the right course, and will result in quicker 

 stronger growth than can be got in any other way. 



How to Prune. — Xearly all the pruning required by trees and 

 shrubbery is best done by shortening-in the branches regularly, and 

 entirely removing all dead or sickly wood all over the plant. This will 

 induce a close, even grov\^th, and preserve the form which is desired. 



The proper time to prune is early in the spring or late in the winter, 

 before the sap starts. Spring-blooming shrubs should be pruned in the 

 early summ.er. Always cut smoothly from the under side of the branch. 



Watering. — For shrubbery and trees watering is seldom necessary, 

 but a good mulch three or four inches thick of barnyard manure, forest 

 leaves, cut grass or garden litter is always desirable when convenient, 

 as it shades the ground and keeps it from drying out or freezing too 

 deeply. 



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