DECEMBER. 
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roots. The humidity of the earth, or the moistness, are no reasons why this 
should not be done, as it may be found, on a narrow inspection, that the roots, 
though surrounded, are not closely embraced by the soil, but that there are 
cavities within where the roots will become mouldy and die; and in dry seasons 
everything newly transplanted requires attention as to water. Stake and tie 
every tree at once after planting. Make this a rule without any exception ; 
for I know w r e are apt to say, when it is calm, that the wind will do no harm: 
but, on the contrary, a little wind will do a great amount of harm; for when 
a fresh-planted tree is moved to and fro it breaks off the young fibres, and 
causes a smooth plastered hole round the collar of the tree, which is the place 
where it should be close and firm. Mulching is a term which gardeners use 
to signify laying straw or litter of any kind that is somewhat moist, and not 
rotten, on the surface of the ground as far as the roots extend. It is greatly 
to the advantage of newly-planted trees, and prevents the water when poured 
on the ground from running away. It also prevents washing away the soil; it 
protects the roots from frost and drought, and keeps the ground from cracking. 
In transplanting a tree set the most prominent branches to the west wind. 
The best aspect for fruit trees I have found to be is one open to the east; I 
have noticed that there is more certainty of getting a crop of fruit. The 
reason, I think, is this—the sun, when it can reach the trees at rising with its 
mild rays, dissolves gradually the hoar frost which, during the past night, .has 
covered the young buds, leaves, and blossoms, or setting fruit; but, on the 
contrary, when the sun is excluded from the tree till about ten in the morning, 
and then suddenly bursts upon it with all its force, the powerful rays at once 
melt the hoar frost, causing a sudden thaw, and thus rupturing the vessels of 
these tender parts, causing them to drop; and so it happens that many a 
healthy tree, with a promising show of blossoms, fails to produce fruit, the 
blossoms all falling in the course of the morning. When plants become frost¬ 
bitten the best mode to prevent injury from the effect is to wash them or 
syringe with cold water, and, thus thawing them gradually, the mischief is in 
a great degree prevented. 
I cannot see how it is that fruit trees are considered out of place in a 
pleasure garden. I do not think a beautiful-blossomed tree unfit for such a 
position because it bears fruit. Who cannot but admire the large blushing 
blossoms of the Apple tree ? Is it banished to the kitchen garden merely 
because of the golden fruit which it produces in autumn ? If it bore no fruit 
at all W'e should prize it for its bloom. What can be more elegant than a 
standard Cherry in its habit, its blossom, and its fruit ? and yet how seldom it 
is seen except in some out-of-the-way place. Is it because of its usefulness 
that it cannot get a place among the flowers ? Is anything more bold in its 
outline, or stately in its growth, than the Pear tree, with its pyramid of snow- 
white blossoms, and in September with its rich golden foliage, furnishing one 
of the finest of autumnal tints ? but because we have been in the habit of 
gathering from it some rich juicy fruit, no one dreams of planting it for its 
beauty. The Plum tree no one, I think, can look on without pleasure—in the 
autumn the purple and golden fruit, hanging in clusters over our heads ; and, 
again, see it in the spring—it is one of the most delightful objects in nature; 
it is picturesque in form, and clothed with a robe of spotless purity. Ever¬ 
greens, although beautiful and ornamental for the winter, have a certain dull¬ 
ness in summer, unless relieved by deciduous plants which have bright blossoms 
and lively tints of green. I think we should not fear to mix our fruit trees 
with our flowers and shrubs. They might be grouped with respect to their 
blossoms, fruit, and foliage, which would produce a beautiful effect, and a new 
feature would be added to the English style of gardening. There are other 
