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ON THE FOBMATION OP THE PINETUM. 
Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and hardy Heaths, and even Scarlet Thorns. Such is, we 
think, the beau-ideal for the arrangement of a collection of Conifers, and such might be 
rendered more interesting, if planted by a distinguished member of a noble family ; or to 
commemorate by its perpetual verdure some interesting event, relating to the family or 
place. We would, therefore, record on a tablet, by whom, and in what year it was planted. 
It is always interesting to mark the comparative progress of different varieties of useful 
trees, planted together at the same time. We should prefer a gently undulated surface of 
ground for our site, and a deep mellow sandy loam ; we would trench this up 2 feet deep, 
in large holes (where it is intended to plant) adding a quantity of surface soil to each hole 
so prepared, sufficiently to raise it 18 inches above the natural surface. This gives 
importance to young specimens, and dignity and an appearance of stability to older ones. 
The selection of plants is of much importance ; we prefer young ones, for the reason that 
if kept long in pots in the Nursery, the roots become so completely coiled round the pots, 
that if separable at all, the plant suffers much mutilating, and if planted with the ball of 
earth entire, the tree never becomes fixed, but is constantly moving about, like a joint in 
its socket. 
It is desirable, as much as possible, to give what Sir Henry Stewart calls “immediate 
effect;” but the removal and planting of large Coniferous Trees when confided to 
unpractised hands, but too often defeats its own purpose. It is, however, to be accom- 
plished, but only by considerable expense, and the exercise of great skill and judgment. 
In illustration of this, we would point to what has been accomplishod in the extraordinary 
garden of the Earl of Harrington at Elvaston Castle, under the superintendence of his 
most able and skilful gardener, Mr. Barron. If it is determined to employ respectable 
specimens at once, we would reject these from pots. 
In the nursery grounds of Mr. Pince of Exeter, we saw (a short time ago) a magni- 
ficent lot of Coniferous specimens, which were about to be planted into large open crates 
made of Elm, which when plunged, would allow the emission of the fibres ; and always 
secure a good ball of earth for transporting. This we think to be an admirable idea, and 
one calculated to ensure to those who desire to have specimens at once, the most certain 
success. 
If plants from pots are used, they should be of small size ; and in proceeding to plant 
them, the whole of the roots should be shaken out from the ball of earth, selecting the 
tap root, and inserting it in the earth in a vertical direction, carefully filling in the soil 
and pouring in a little water to close the interstices, and then laying out with great care 
the other roots in a horizontal direction. We attach great importance to the preserva- 
tion of this organ, regarding it as a wise provision of nature to give stability to heavy- 
topped trees, and feeling that it should be our province to assist her operations, rather 
than to do violence to her laws. 
A most important consideration yet remains to be touched upon, namely the fencing. 
Happily for the interests of the human race, hares and rabbits are much less extensively 
preserved than formerly ; but still enough of these destructive animals remain to render it 
necessary to secure our rare plants by some kind of fence ; and for the purpose, we deem 
iron the best from its lightness and durability. But in fencing against rabbits, it must 
ever be remembered that they not only come through, but are constantly burrowing under 
our fences ; therefore it is necessary to have a row of rough stones inserted in the ground 
at the base of the fence to prevent this. We would lay great stress upon having secure 
fences, as we can conceive nothing more mortifying than after great trouble and anxiety 
(not to mention expense) to have our hopes marred and blighted by the excavations of these 
animals. 
In conclusion we would notice that it is but too common a practice to pnt stakes to, 
and tie up the leaders of Cedars. This we have found to be a bad practice ; if the trees are 
planted young, and left to themselves, merely removing rival leaders (to which due 
attention must be paid), they will in time gain strength and do better than if trained. In 
the propping system it is difficult to know when to leave off the support. 
We trust that these remarks which are the result of much reflection an§ observation 
