Feb.'] OF PLANTING SHRUBS, ETC. 23 
thickly planted than it is intended to let them remain, the 
small-growing kinds may be six or eight feet apart ; the larger, 
or taller sorts, ten to twenty feet, according to the condition 
of the soil. 
Thick masses of shrubbery, called thickets, are sometimes 
wanted. In these, there should be plenty of evergreens. A 
mass of deciduous shrubs has no imposing effect during 
winter; and, as this is not the proper season for planting- 
evergreens (April, and the end of September, or first of 
October being best), small stakes can be placed in the des- 
tined spot. Planting in rows, or in any plan of a formal 
character, should, at all times, be avoided. 
In planting at this season, observe that the roots are not 
much exposed to the air, especially if the wind be high and 
sharp ; but it is always better, if possible, to defer the busi- 
ness until good, mild weather. According to directions in 
November, the ground will be well prepared, and only re- 
quires a hole dug for the reception of the roots, which must 
be considerably larger, that the roots may not be in the least 
confined. Break the earth well at bottom, put in as much 
as will receive the plant from one to two inches (according 
to its size) lower than it has previously been in the Nursery. 
If any of the roots are bruised or broken, cut them off; 
then place the plant in the centre of the hole, breaking fine 
all the soil that is put in, at the same time shaking the stem 
a little, that the earth may mix with the roots ; when full 
up, press all the soil down with the foot, that it may, in some 
degree, consolidate about the roots, and support the plant. 
Tall plants should have a good stake for support, and place 
a small bandage between the stake and stem of the shrub or 
tree, where the tie is made, to prevent the bark from suffer- 
ing by friction. Observe, always, before planting, if the 
soil is not suitable, to supply that which is congenial to the 
nature of the intended plant. When shrubs or trees are to 
be carried to any distance, the roots should be carefully kept 
from air, by tying damp moss, straw, or mats about them, as 
circumstances will admit : the success, in part, depends on 
due attention being paid to prevent the roots drying before 
planting. Although we have given the above directions for 
planting in this month, it will frequently occur that they 
can only be put into practice during the next, as this month 
is often the severest of the season. 
