This is the month many prefer to plant their evergreens, and it is
perhaps as good a time as any. Take advantage of a “wet spell” for the
operation. Be particularly careful that as many roots as possible are
preserved. If this can be well attended to, _trees of any size_ can be
moved successfully. It becomes a question of power—of profit and loss.
If any amount of power can be applied, and expense is no object, the
largest trees will move as easily as small ones. In moving an evergreen
20 feet high, I commence to open my “trench” 10 feet from the base of
the trunk, go down about two feet, and continue to undermine and lay
bare the roots their full length, right up to the collar of the tree. I
care nothing for “ball of earth.” If I have a good supply of hands at
the job, I only care to keep them aside a little to prevent injury by
the operations of the workmen. If I have but few men, I roll the long
roots, as fast as they are exposed, in mats to keep them moist. For
mechanical means and adaptations to take out the tree and convey it to
its destination, an intelligent workman is never at a loss. Trees taken
up in this manner scarcely miss the change; and besides after they are
transplanted they require no staking, as they are capable of withstanding
the strongest wind through their long roots.
The broom should be well applied to lawns at this season of the year,
even more sedulously than in spring. Many species of weed become so
dwarfed by the summer’s drought, that they flower and fruit below the
reach of the scythe, and can only be kept down by the hard sweeping. I
have seen some lawns almost ruined by these weeds, especially by one of
the nettle tribe. (_Pilea pumila._)—Conclusion in next number.
* * * * *
It is a pity that the rules adopted by Florists are so very rigid, that
unless a flower equals a certain standard in shape and markings it must
be rejected. Last week we had submitted to us by Mr. T. F. Croft, a
beautiful seedling Verbena, a lilac with a broad stripe of white down
each petal, quite distinct and very handsome, but the petals were too
narrow, leaving a large space between each one. This must condemn it as a
Florist’s flower, but to all who want a handsome and distinct variety it
will be desirable. He calls it his No. 3. It is in style of Iphigenie.
* * * * *
The article on Tile draining in the last number should have been credited
to the Ohio Cultivator. We never intentionally copy articles without
credit. We wish that Dr. Warder of the Western Horticultural Review were
as conscientious.
* * * * *
ERRATA.—In the report of the Maryland Horticultural Society, the Winter
Bon Chretien pears were shown by Mr. Fuss, not Mr. Feast as printed. The
premium for strawberries was for “the best 4 distinct varieties, 1 quart
each”.