NUKSERY AND PLANTING. 



91 



in preparing the ground, in forming the beds, and covering 

 the seeds, as recommended in the last article. When the plants 

 have been two years in the seed-bed, they should be taken 

 up, and transplanted into nursery-lines, or into beds, allowing 

 the plants in the latter case to stand at from four to six inches 

 apart, and in the former, one foot between the lines, and four 

 inches plant from plant in the line. All evergreens are im- 

 patient of drought at the time of their removal, therefore, 

 dull, cloudy, or wet weather should, if possible, be chosen for 

 that purpose, and a rather damp or shaded spot is the most 

 favorable for them to be planted in. In such beds, as above 

 directed, they should be allowed to stand for two years to 

 .gain strength ; at the end of which period they should again 

 be taken up, and planted in lines at a greater distance, where 

 they should also remain for two years ; at the expiration of 

 which time, many of them will be in a fit state to plant out 

 permanently in the shrubbery or plantations. The smaller 

 ones being selected, should again be planted in linos at least 

 fifteen or eighteen inches distant, and from a foot to fifteen 

 inches apart in the line, which will be sufficient room for them 

 to attain a size fit for the final planting. 



The holly, under all circumstances, is a slow-growing tree, 

 and although it bears transplanting, while young, with safety, 

 it nevertheless is very considerably checked in its growth by 

 being removed, unless very great care be taken to remove it 

 with a large ball. This is not always practicable, as the soil 

 in which the holly delights, which is of a light and rather 

 sandy nature, little of the surrounding mould can be taken up 

 with the roots. Dull damp weather should therefore be chosen, 

 and April, August, and September, may be considered the best 

 seasons ; although holly, as well as most evergreens, may be 

 removed at any period of the year, for particular purposes, 

 except only while they are making their young shoots. Pud- 

 dling the roots should never be neglected ; and when they are 

 planted, a liberal supply of water should be given them, both 

 at their roots and also 6ver their heads, unless the weather 

 should be sufficiently wet to render such labour unnecessary. 

 Wet weather should therefore be chosen for planting all ever- 

 greens ; and if only ordinary care be taken in removing .the 



