Cultivation of Shade Trees. 107 
In transplanting evergreens we have been very fortunate, sel- 
dom losing a tree. In this latitude, from the 20th to the 30th of 
May would seem to be the best time to set balsams, pines, cedars, 
and larches. We have four of the latter now growing vigorously in 
our yard, which we set out in the month of June, and the mercury 
standing at 80°. We have planted the balsam in the month of 
April with good success. Much, however, depends on the care 
and attention in planting to give the trees a fair chance for life. 
CULTIVATION OF SHADE TREES. 
BY WILLIAM BACON. 
It is a matter of much congratulation, that the attention of the 
public is yearly being more and more devoted to the improvement 
of our rural scenery by the cultivation of ornamental trees. When 
we reflect upon the advantages resulting from this cheap and sal- 
utary improvement in our homestead, and indeed to the country at 
large, it is a fit subject of wonder that the public, en masse, do not 
take the subject in hand, and thus accomplish at once what in- 
dividuals and a few enterprising associations are slowly and 
laboriously performing, a grateful and pleasing renovation of the 
general scenery of the whole land. 
The advantages resulting from such a process would, no doubt, 
more than compensate for all the labor or cost which would be 
necessary to produce so desirable a change. Placed around the 
dwelling, they contribute to the health and comfort of the inhabi- 
tants, by drinking in from the atmosphere whatever substances it 
may contain injurious to health. Many houses in our country are 
so located that whenever miasma arises or fogs float in the at- 
mosphere, they are sure to be enveloped in these clouds of pesti- 
lence, and disease, and sickness in the family often follows the 
exposure of the individual to these mists of death. That trees 
will always counteract the evils so unfavorable to life, we will 
not positively say, but we know, that from their very nature and 
