178 



PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



procurable from nurseries, they should have good balls ; 

 and if these can not be secured, at least to a moderate 

 extent, it will be proper to reduce the head of the 

 plant, as otherwise many of the branches will die back, 

 from their inability to support their former amount of 

 foliage. Perhaps this thinning out of the branches 

 should be resorted to in all cases when large shrubs 

 are shifted ; but it is less necessary when the balls are 

 large, and the roots are well prepared. For the most 

 part, there is good economy in the moderate use of the 

 knife, both in respect of time and of appearance. 



All shrubs, and especially large ones, should have 

 an ample supply of water when they are transplanted, 

 and this is most effectively given when the water is 

 run into the new pit in which the plant is placed, along 

 with the filling-in of the earth, beginning when the 

 pit is about one-fourth filled, and continuing till it is 

 nearly quite full. The quantity of the water should 

 be such as to form a stroug puddle round the ball. 

 This mode of watering keeps the roots moist, as well 

 as consolidates the earth about them ; and if carefully 

 done at first, will scarcely require any additions. If 

 the water is not administered till after the earth has 

 been fully pressed in round the roots, frequent repeti- 

 tion and larger quantities will be necessary, and the 

 same beneficial results will not be attained. 



There has been much difference of opinion, and 

 many discussions, respecting the most suitable season 

 for transplanting evergreen shrubs. Some recommend 

 the autumn months, others the winter and spring. 

 "When the operations are extensive, it may at times be 

 necessary to carry on the work during the whole period, 



