Norway
spruces, the firs, or pines. An hour with a note-book spent in
grounds like those of Mr. Fuller would do more in aiding a
satisfactory selection than years of reading. Moreover, it should
be remembered that many beautiful evergreens, especially those of
foreign origin, are but half hardy. The amateur may find that
after an exceptionally severe winter some lovely specimen, which
has grown to fill a large space in his heart, as well as on his
acre, has been killed. There is an ample choice from entirely
hardy varieties for every locality, and these, by careful inquiry
of trustworthy nurserymen, should be obtained.
Moreover, it should be remembered that few evergreens will thrive
in a wet, heavy soil. If Nature has not provided thorough drainage
by means of a porous subsoil, the work must be done artificially.
As a rule, light but not poor soils, and warm exposures, are best
adapted to this genus of trees.
I think that all authorities agree substantially that spring in
our climate is the best time for the transplanting of evergreens;
but they differ between early and advanced spring. The late Mr. A.
J. Downing preferred early spring; that is, as soon as the frost
is out, and the ground dry enough to crumble freely. Mr. A. S.
Fuller indorses this opinion. Mr. Josiah Hoopes, author of a
valuable work entitled "The Book of Evergreens," advises that
transplanting be deferred to later spring, when the young trees
are just beginning their season's growth; and this view has the
approval of the Hon.
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