94 



EVERGREEN HEDGES. 



\^ApriL 



gravel to them, leveling, raking, and rolling neatly as you 

 proceed. Always after rain give the whole of the gravel 

 walks a good rolling. This being frequently done during 

 the early part of the season, will be a saving of much labor 

 and time through the summer. The walks having a firm 

 surface, the growth of weeds will be retarded, and the heavy 

 rains will not be so apt to injure them. Where there are 

 any pretensions to keeping these in order, they ought to be 

 picked of weeds and litter once a-week, and gone over with 

 the roller at least once every two weeks during the season. 



Sweep and divest the grass walks or plats of all worm- 

 casts, litter, &c., cutting the edgings neatly. Mow the grass 

 every two or three weeks from this time to October, sweep- 

 ing off the grass clean each time, and give frequent rollings 

 to keep the surface smooth. If any require to be laid with 

 turf, delay it no longer. For direction, see last month. The 

 above observations on walks in general will apply through 

 the season; therefore, we will not repeat this subject until 

 October. 



EVERGREEN HEDGES. 



We have previously observed, under the head Evergreens, 

 that this is the best season for their replanting. We cannot 

 pass over the observations of this month without having 

 reference to evergreen hedges, so much neglected among us, 

 and yet so important to the diversity of aspect, and especially 

 to soften a little the gloomy appearance of our winters. 

 There are three indigenous shrubs, and at least three exotics, 

 that are well adapted for the purpose, viz., JPinus CanadensiSy 

 Hemlock-spruce; Thuja occidentalism American arborvitae; 

 Thvja orientdlis, Chinese arborvitae; and Junipcris Virgi- 

 nidnaj Eed-cedar. Where there is to be a hedge of any of 

 these planted, select plants about two feet high ; lift them 

 carefully, preserving the roots as much as possible. Dig a 

 trench from one and a half to two feet wide, and from one 

 to one foot and a half deep. This will admit the soil to be 

 well broken about the roots, which must be done in planting. 

 Keep the plants in the centre of the trench, mixing the 

 shortest and the tallest, that it may be of one height, putting 

 the earth close about their roots as you proceed, and make it 



