MULCHING. 



85 



dead roots, and then re-set tliem, aiLd they will often suc- 

 ceed when apparently almost hopelessly dead. 



In transplanting herbaceous plants, as annuals, an even- 

 ing, or a damp cloudy day, or just before a shower, is the 

 proper time for the operation. The earth should be first 

 well dug to afford a moist situation in which the delicate 

 fibres may quickly establish themselves. Do not trans- 

 plant immediately after a heavy rain, as the soil, if moved 

 while wet, will form a crust about the plant. This opera- 

 tion should always be performed in the case of choice 

 young plants with the trowel, removing with them a little 

 ball of earth, and the plant will hardly show its change of 

 situation by any check in its growth. Larger plants may 

 be removed in the same way with the spade. 



Plants that are not removed with a ball, are benefited 

 by grouting. Mix up a quantity of rich loam in water to 

 a semi-fluid state, in which insert the roots. Plants which 

 are readily transplanted, as the cabbage, tomato, &c., may 

 have a hole made with a dibble, and the plant inserted, 

 when the dibble is again inserted near the stem, and the 

 earth pushed up close to the root. Tap-rooted plants are 

 transplanted with great difficulty, and as they cannot be 

 taken up with a ball, should always be grouted before they 

 are replanted. Sweet potato slips, cabbage plants, &c., 

 may be set out even in dry weather, in freshly moved soil, 

 by making a hole in the earth, setting the plants erect 

 therein, and washing in the earth with water (from the 

 spout of a water-pot) about the roots, and covering them 

 at the surface with dry soil to retain the moisture and 

 keep the soil from baking. This should be done in the 

 evening. 



Mulching. — Mulching is placing mulch or moist litter, 

 of various kinds, upDn the surface of the soil over tho 



