May.] the NURSERY. S89 
earth over them, just as much, and no more, as will cover their 
stems up to the seed leaves; this will keep their roots cool and 
nioist, and protect their stems from the power of the sun. The 
pines and firs, in particular, are very subject to be cut off when 
young, at the very surface of the ground, by the burning heat 
thereof, melting away the yet soft and tender stems, while the 
leaves do not appear in the least injured. 
Watering new Plantations. 
Watering will be extremely necessary, for all the new planta- 
tions of ihe more curious and valuable sorts of evergreens and flow- 
ering shrubs, and indeed, for as much of the general young planta- 
tions, as it can be extended to with any tolerable degree of conve- 
nience. It should be occasionally given to the leaves and branches, 
as well as to 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, 
wiiich 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 rea- 
son why rain is much more effectual, than artificial watering: 
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 morn- 
ing sun; for if watered in the forenoon, and that 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, ov 
burning-glass. 
But in watering, let it be observed not to give too much, as that, 
in some case, 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, by 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 289, 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 (he 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 
