TRANSPLANTING. Transplanting is the art of so removing plants that they shall receive the slightest possible check in the removal. The objects in transplanting is, first, to increase the season of growth of exotic plants hy previous forcing in hot beds and greenhouses, that we may get easier and longer continued flowering and fruitage; second, the economical aud better care certain clas,cs of plants may receive, by growing them while young iu confined spaces. as cabbage, cauliflower, celery and other plants, which indeed mature perfectly in the North; third, in the case of trees that may be more easily grown in masses or narrow rows while young; fourth, to increase the root fibers by successive transplantings, thus inducing a more stocky growth of plants, and earlier fruitage. This latter may be also accomplished by root pruning. The whole art of transplanting during the season of growth is simply to keep sufficient moisture at the roots to compensate the exhala tion from the roots until new feeding roots can be thrown out. Some plants have been known to transpire twice their own weight in a day Hence plants not naturally supplied with fibrous roots, tap rooted plants, and those having ,oft and succulent leaves are, as a rule, difficult of transplantation. As a rule, plants will in favor able weather throw out new roots in twenty-four hours after being moved. Thus, to facilitate this action, they are usually moved during cloudy weather or just before night, after the sun has lost its power. It may, therefore, be taken as an axiom that to secure success in transplanting of plants with their foliage that it will depend upon the preservation of as many fibrous roots as possible and the prevention of excessive evaporation. In the case of trees and shrubs which drop their leaves periodically, there is little difficulty experienced during their season of rest. The same may be said ot ever greens. Keep the roots moist and success is pretty certain. As a rule, transplanting is not as difficult as is generally imagined. The great and yearly losses sustained in the transplantation of the various plants usually purchased of the gardener, florist and nurseryman, make it very important that a few plain directions be given relating thereto. When sent out by respectable propagators and growers. plants are usually in good condition. It is to the interest of the grower that they shall be so. One of the most fatal mistakes, made by novices in the art is, that transplanting must be done when the earth is wet. If you ean so time your work, that you
transplant just before a shower, you will have hit the mark exactly, but if not, wait until the land is again in good working order. Never set out plants in the mud. Just at night or in cloudy weather, is the best time. If the plants are small keep the roots in water, until they are planted. If larger protect from the sun and air. We have known evergreens especially killed by contact with the sun and wind for five minutes. For ourselves we never wait for rain for trans planting, but have water near, hauled in barrels if necessary, for extensive planting. One hand plants, or rather fastens the plant, by drawing earth enough around it, for the purpose, another pours sufficient water about it to thoroughly wet it about the roots. When it has disappeared the planting may be finished by drawing over and around it dry or moist earth. Be sure and press the earth firmly about the roots when planted, but leave the surface light and mellow. Some of the more delicate plants, or those not easily transplanted, may need shading for a day or two, if you are very particular for perfect success, but under ordinary circumstances, it will not be needed. The same rules here indicated will apply to all larger plants, shrubs and trees. Keep the roots as much as possible from the sun and air. Give water at the roots when trans planted, draw over all dry, or only moist earth, mulch thoroughly, and nature will do the rest. In this connection, cast away the old fogyish notion that the top must be cut away to corres pond to the rest. It is a relic of superstitious ignoralice. The roots of a tree are its feeding mouths. The leaves are its lungs and stomach. Mutilate either unduly, and it is fatal to the prospect for health, and just in proportion to the top, in just such proportion will be formation of root surface. Never buy trees and plants at any price that have been unduly mutilated at the root, and the roots being fairly supplied, never cut away more of the top than just sufficient to bring the tree into as symmetrical shape as possible, for again we say, just in proportion to the leaf surface, so will be the power of the plant or tree, in forming new roots, or rather spongioles for feeding. We are thus particular because there is really no reason for the great annual loss which is sustained in the transplanta tion of trees and plants.