THE MANUAL OF GARDENING. 
44 
treatment, the lagging energy of others. Occasionally, a branch 
which has become unsightly, has taken a wrong direction, or be- 
come exhausted by reason of successive bloom, may need removal. 
Those which have a trailing habit, may require partial support, 
which should, however, be given as imperceptibly as possible; 
(good taste will indicate the propriety of keeping the stakes and 
frames for this purpose, as subordinate as practicable ;) vines and 
creepers, whether on arbours, trellis, or trained against fences, 
may need occasional aid, in the proper direction of the branches. 
Some, as the Hydrangea for instance, will have the bloom 
greatly prolonged, if somewhat shaded, either by a living screen, ^ 
or one which may be applied or removed at pleasure. 
The beauty of the shrubbery will be enhanced if every evi- 
dence of declining nature is carefully removed ; to this end, all 
decayed leaves, and faded flowers, and all seed pods, when they 
are not in themselves handsome, should be plucked. The walks 
should be kept scrupulously clean; not a weed or spear of grass 
suffered to show its head, and the edging as neatly trimmed and 
regulated, as if the operation were but yesterday performed. 
The surface of the earth should be neatly raked from time to 
time, and the grass, whether the shrubs stand on it singly or in 
groups, should be kept closely sheared. If the grasses are of 
the proper description (the native blue and green grass, and white 
clover mixed, are among the best kinds) they will assume by this 
treatment, a carpet-like surface, and verdant hue. In this coun- 
try, however, it may be more prudent to mow less frequently, 
during the heat of summer, than is the practice in England, ^ 
where the humid climate produces free vegetation, even at mid- 
summer. 
There are some shrubs usually classed as hardy, which may be 
benefited by partial shelter during the winter, which is better 
afforded by inverted kegs, barrels, &c., containing a portion of 
loose straw, than by closely binding and matting the plant, a 
method seldom attended with good results, as the circulation 
of the air is impeded, and the immature wood, and decaying 
leaves, promote fermentation. On the arrival of spring the shrub- 
bery grounds should be dug, and made mellow by the spade ; if 
the earth be not sufficiently rich, manure may be applied accord- 
ing to. the judgment of the cultivator ; there is little danger of 
doing mischief with it in this department. If the plants are 
crowded, so as to preclude a developement of their beauty, use 
the knife freely, and if necessary, entirely remove such as may f 
be of the least interest. 
Amygdalis nana ( Dwarf Almond ). — This is a pretty early 
flowering shrub, of low stature, and presents a pleasing appear- 
ance when in bloom. The grub-worm is its especial enemy, and 
