390 THE NURSERY. [May. 
fVatering new Plantations. 
Watering will be extremely necessary for all the new planta- 
tions of the more curious and valuable sorts of evergreens and 
flowering shrubs, and indeed for as much of the general young 
plantations as it can be extended to with any tolerable degree of 
convenience. It should be occasionally given to the leaves and 
branches as well as the roots, for it will not only wash off' any dirt 
or filth which they may have contracted, but open the pores of the 
plants, which, in dry weather, are many times almost closed, 
whereby the trees suffer greatly; nor is the water poured about the 
roots only capable of relieving them when in that condition; this is 
one reason why rain is much more effectual than artificial water- 
ing: these waterings should always be given in an evening after the 
heat of the day is over, that the water may have time to soak down 
to the roots, and the moisture be dried from the leaves by the 
morning sun; for if watered in the forenoon, and there should 
be a powerful sun soon after, the leaves are frequently scalded 
thereby, the spherical drops of water which remain on their surface, 
causing the rays to converge to a focus, and act upon them as a lens 
or burning-glass. 
But in watering, let it be observed not to give too much, as that, 
in some cases, would be injurious; a little, and often, ought to be 
the rule- 
Such plants as you have in pots should be treated as directed 
hereafter for those of the green-house department. 
Propagating Evergreens, ^-c. hy Layers. 
About the latter end of this month begin to propagate such ever- 
greens and other shrubs by layers of the young shoots of the pre- 
sent year as do not succeed well by layers of the old wood. 
When the young shoots are from eight to ten or twelve inches 
long, bring them down to the earth, and if strong, you may slit 
them as directed in page 288, or if weak, give them a gentle twist 
and lay them into the earth from two to six inches deep, according 
to their size, leaving about two or three inches of the tops out of 
ground; fasten them securely with hooked pegs and draw the earth 
over the parts laid. When done, give them a moderate watering, 
and repeat it occasionally, so as to keep the earth in a moist state, 
to encourage their rooting. 
Trees and shrubs in general root very freely by this method, 
which may be practised on the various kinds as they advance in 
growth, both evergreen and deciduous, from the middle of this 
month to the end of July. Many kinds will be well rooted by 
October, and may then be taken oft' and removed. Such as are not 
rooted by that time must be suff'ered to remain another year. 
Newly grafted and budded Trees. 
Examine all kinds of trees and shrubs which Avere grafted in the 
