Ma//.] 



THE FORCING GARDEN. 



715 



M A Y. 



NURSING PINE-PLANTS. 



Towards the middle of this month, the beds will have sunk 

 considerably, and will also have declined in heat; it will 

 therefore be necessary that the plants be all taken out, ob- 

 serving to tie them up as recommended in March, for the 

 greater preservation of their leaves ; which, when injured, by 

 being broken or bruised* soon assume a sickly appearance, 

 and cease to be useful organs of the plant. The weather may 

 now be expected to be fine ; at least, a clear day or two should 

 be chosen for this arrangement of the young pine-plants, in 

 order that the operation may be effected with grea^r safety. 

 After they are all removed from the bed, it should be well 

 worked over to the very bottom, and all decayed matter thrown 

 out. Where either bark or leaves are scarce, it would amply 

 repay the trouble to pass all those which appear exhausted 

 through a coarse riddle, returning the rougher particles into 

 the pit, and removing the finer or more decayed parts to the 

 compost-yard ; which, if the beds have been composed en- 

 tirely of leaves, will be found an extremely useful article in 

 the compositions which are necessary not only for the growth 

 of pines, but also for almost every plant in the garden ; and 

 those which may not be required for entering into the com- 

 posts will be a useful manure to almost any soil. Should the 

 beds be composed of tan, or tan and leaves mixed, the com- 

 position should also be saved, as it will become useful for 

 many purposes, both in the formation of certain composts, as 

 well as in the covering of many roots from the severity of the 

 frosts, and several other purposes where light mould may be 

 required. 



The necessary quantity of fresh tan or leaves should be 

 brought in, and carefully mixed with the half-decomposed that 

 remains \n the pits ; observing to keep the greater proportion 

 of fresh matter nearest the boltom, and keeping as much of 



