12 
the natural tints, and afterwards polish the part with a brush, 
flannel, or palm of the hand; and ultimately apply a little Flor- 
ence oil, dry it off again with flannel, and if attentively execu- 
ted, the injury may escape the notice of the nicest observer. A 
little fine olive oil, or Florence oil, as the best sort is usually call- 
ed, is found of infinite use in preserving the exterior coating of 
shells, which oftentimes, from lying by, cracks and peels off. 
It also greatly restores their natural colours, even when the sur- 
face is become somewhat chalky. “Shells are composed of 
animal matter and lime, and when they are decomposed, it is 
from the animal matter being set at liberty by the action of some 
acid; consequently the application of oil, is a substitute for the 
animal matter which they had lost.” It is, therefore, a great 
preservation against decay. A solution of gum arable is fre- 
quently applied as a varnish to shells, but the gloss it gives is 
unnatural. 
31 Scarlet Geranium. This plant is a gay ornament in the bor- 
ders, and according to a correspondent in the Horticultural 
Register, may be cultivated without a greenhouse. Plant cut- 
tings of it in September, under a hand-glass, in a warm dry bor- 
der. Protect from frost, with mats, as occasion may require ; 
and in winter avoid watering, as damp is then injurious. In 
April, remove them from beneath the hand-glass, into the bor- 
ders, without disturbing their roots, and they will blossom freely. 
32 Transplanting Trees. It frequently happens that trees of a 
large size, or of several years’ growth, require removal; to effect 
which, without due preparation, would either destroy them, or 
so affect their luxuriance, as to render them unsightly or use- 
less during two or three subsequent years. Great advantage will 
arise out of the following practice. In winter, dig a trench, at a 
proper distance, round the tree, deep enough to cut off its main 
roots, in such manner as would be required for common trans- 
planting. Let it remain in this state, or with merely covering 
the trench with boards, twelve months. At the expiration of 
such time, the roots will have thrown out young and active 
lateral fibres within the remaining ball of earth, that will not 
only assist in holding the earth together, during the operation 
of removal, but will also be ready to take up a due portion of 
fluids for the immediate nourishment of the tree, after its remo- 
val, and prevent the common consequences of transplanting. 
