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THE planter's GUIDE. 



which the earth is constantly saturated at this season, a 

 gradual consolidation of the mould round the roots and 

 fibres takes place, far superior to any that can be brought 

 about by artificial pressure. But the state of the atmo- 

 sphere after March being comparatively dry, no equal 

 consolidation is attainable, and the roots, if once injured 

 hy drought, sufi*er so severely as not to recover the injury 

 for some years, and often they never recover it. 



The fifth cause is akin to this, and acts prejudicially 

 in the same manner, during the first year — namely, the 

 neglect of duly covering and watering the roots before 

 the summer drought sets in. In situations where " shows," 

 or the refuse of a flaxmill, cannot be obtained, moss, 

 (Scottice fog,) which is frequently employed by florists, 

 is the best substitute, as already mentioned. 



It is remarkable that these five probable causes of 

 backwardness in the growth of trees, the first only excepted, 

 uniformly operate during the first season after their 

 removal, which points out the vast influence which their 

 health during that critical period seems to possess over 

 their after-progress. As the evils specified are, all except- 

 ing one, in our own power, and such as by attention and 

 industry may be prevented, so it likewise points out of 

 how much importance it is, both to the general planter 

 and the planter for immediate efiect, by every efibrt to 

 endeavour to prevent them, by attention to the selection, 

 condition, treatment, and growth of their plants, in the 

 early stages of their progress. 



It is highly probable, that one or other of these causes 

 of backwardness exist in all removed subjects which 

 become stationary, although we are not always aware of 

 its existence. How successfully soever a tree may be 

 transferred, we do not expect any considerable shoots 

 from it till after the the third or fourth year ; and we 



