68 
THE FLORIST. 
I intended pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the pot 
and planting-out system of Pine-growing, but the great length of the 
present article prevents my noticing the subject at this time. 
W. S. 
PURCHASING FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
How few understand, when selecting fruit or ornamental trees, that 
there are very material points to observe, to secure trees that will thrive 
and do well. Every person who wishes to improve his grounds should 
become thoroughly acquainted with the value of his soil and all its 
leading features; wet or dry, deep or shallow, heavy or light; how the 
exposure, whether east, west, north, or south—clayey, rocky, sandy or 
rich loam ; and hilly or level; these are very important considerations, 
and without these being well understood, the highest degree of success 
cannot be attained. Want of attention to these matters has been the 
cause very frequently of great disappointment. 
People order fruit and ornamental trees of nurserymen, and without 
ever giving any of these points a single thought, they plant them in 
places the very opposite of those they have been raised in, and the 
consequences are, very many die almost immediately, some linger a 
few months or years, and a few may manage to succeed partially. Now, 
cases of this kind are of very frequent occurrence ; and when they do 
occur, they cause disappointment, and the nurseryman is unjustly 
blamed for people’s own inattention to the above points. Almost every 
variety requires different soil, different exposure, and different treat¬ 
ment. Where the Pear, Plum or Cherry will thrive admirably, the 
Peach will grow indifferently or not at all. And so with ornamental 
trees. Many tribes will thrive where others will not grow, and vice 
versa. 
One important consideration in regard to the beauty of a garden, is 
the appropriateness of the trees planted. Too often we see a great 
want of judgment or taste in the selection of trees—large growing trees 
and plants in small places, and small trees or shrubs in large extensive 
grounds ; all this is evidence of a want of knowledge upon the subject, 
and can always be remedied by inquiry, so as to have trees conform 
to the size, exposure, soil, and situation of the place where planted. 
In selecting trees, care must be had to select those that have clean, 
free-growing wood, well furnished with full fibrous roots, good shaped 
heads, and well furnished branches. 
Too much thought is too frequently given to the cost of a tree, 
rather than to the condition of the tree itself; better to give a fair 
reasonable sum to a reliable nurseryman for a good article, than to get 
it for little or nothing from a huckster or puffer, who deals in cheap 
goods. Always buy of respectable men, pay full prices, get his best , 
and you will not regret it. 
Plant early, as early as you can in the autumn, as the roots are 
growing all the time. If you choose, and are not yourself skilled in 
