THE PLANTING SEASON, 
255 
which shall—as all such suggestions should — deal rather with the more necessary 
points of practice than with those abstract propositions which take such a much 
wider range, is our purpose in now adverting to the matter. The time, too, at 
which we write is likewise favourable for drawing due attention to the subject, as 
most persons will be actively engaged in the operation we are to discuss. 
If we consult the best writers on the subject, especially the more recent corre- 
spondents of gardening periodicals, we shall soon discover that the widest possible 
latitude is taken as to the season recommended for planting ; some advocating 
spring, others early autumn, many the winter, and a few asserting that the begin- 
ning of the summer is best for evergreens, — which are of course the most difficult 
and dangerous class to transplant, — while there are those who declare that it is of no 
consequence what period is chosen, if the thing be done in a proper manner. Not- 
withstanding this variation, however, in the views of practical men, and the easily 
observable fact that whereas some cultivators scarcely succeed when their planting 
is done at the fittest season, others obtain success when they perform theirs at 
what appears the least suitable period, there is undoubtedly a time at which, of 
all others, it is most proper to move at least deciduous shrubs and trees, and this 
time is the whole of the month of November. Without going into the philosophy 
of the case, most practitioners will agree that the plants of this description which 
are moved about that period far more invariably live and flourish than those which 
are kept till a later season ; particularly when a hot and dry summer ensues. 
But with regard to evergreens, there is much more room for diversity of views ; 
and the climate of a locality has a great deal to do with determining the question 
satisfactorily. On certain parts of the coast, for example, where violent winds 
from the sea prevail towards the end of winter, and even into the earliest spring 
months, it is quite essential that evergreens be not transplanted till April or May, 
or even later, according to the aspect and promise of the season* 
And besides the nature of the climate in many localities, there is another 
reason why evergreens should not be planted till the period just referred to ; this 
being that they are just commencing their growth at that time ; and if they can 
once get established in the ground after their yearly developments have begun, 
they will seldom get injured subsequently, and may usually be considered safe. 
Still, it must not be disguised that there is considerable risk in planting ever- 
greens at this late period, from the liability that a dry summer may follow, and 
the difficulty, as well as expense, of keeping them duly supplied with water in 
such a case. This is but one of the contingencies necessary to gardening processes, 
however, and as the choice must inevitably be between two evils or classes of evils, 
we should prefer the spring planting as the least ; except in those districts where 
the climate is so genial, and the winter and very early spring winds are so gentle, 
as to admit of autumnal planting with perfect security, when it is doubtless most 
desirable. 
Of far greater moment to the successfulness of the process than the period 
