CULTURAL DIRECTIONS FOR SIIUrRHKllV, IIARDV 

 HERBACEOUS PLANTS, CLLAllUNCr \ LNES, ETC. 



^1 7ITH very few exceptions, these are all hardy, vi.o:oroiis plants that 

 ^ ^ require only fair ordinary treatment to have them o^row and thrive 

 in the most satisfactory manner, and, as they all require the same general 

 treatment, differing only in application, we ask attention to the following 

 general principles, which will be found applicahle to almost all kinds of 

 outdoor planting. 



Of course you want good healthy, vigorous plants to lK*gin with. This 

 is of the greatest importance, but if you get your supplies from a reliable 

 establishment you are not likely to have any difficulty on this account. 



Another matter quite as important as the ([uality of the plants you 

 buy, and more likely to be overlooked, is, that all should be carefully dug 

 and lifted from the ground with as little injury to the roots as possible. 

 The small, fibrous roots are the most important, and too much care cannot 

 be taken to preserve them in fine growing condition, so that the plant may 

 start quick and strong. One of the worst things that can happen to a 

 plant during removal is that its roots should become dry. This means 

 almost certain death to the tender, fibrous roots, which are the principal 

 feeders, and, when they are injured and killed, the plant has to begin all 

 over again, and much delay in starting is the result, if, indeed, the plant 

 may not be seriously crippled or killed outright ; therefore, every care 

 should be taken to keep the roots fresh and moist, and with as little 

 exposure to the air and sun as possible. All live plants and trees should 

 be packed in damp moss as soon as taken from the ground, so as to reach 

 the purchaser in fresh, lively condition, and, whenever possible, planted 

 immediately on arrival where they are to remain. When this is not con- 

 venient, they should be '' heeled-in," and when this is properly done they 

 will keep for weeks without injury. To do this, choose a convenient 

 place, where the ground is soft and mellow ; dig a shallow trench wide 

 enough to hold the roots in their natural position, and a little deeper 

 than they stood before ; then fill in the earth, taking care to work it 

 nicely under and around the roots, and tread down firmly with the feet. 

 You want to exclude the air and get all the roots in actual contact with 

 the earth. They will keep in this way for several weeks, and when lifted 

 from the trench will be as fresh and lively as ever. 



If the roots are dry when received, they should be soaked in water for 



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