Clayton herald. (Clayton, Del.) 1867-1870, 1869-06-26

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to nave fresh bed of fine soil where the
roots of the plant may at once find a
a home, tako hold and send out new
feelers that ut every step may find nour-
ishment ready to be taken up and as
simulated into the growth of the plant.
In all our operations in culture, we
should seek 10 follow the laws of nature
in the growth of the plants, only direct
ing their energies into a channel in |
which way derive the greatest profit. |
In natural growth, the plant sustains
direct relation to each, in all its parts I;
then the stem, branches and leaves are
proportional to the roots; if from any
cause the roots are checked or cramped
in their growth, the other parts suffer n
corresponding check, and the plant is
thus induced to premature, or earlier,
maturity. So when we wish to make
plants mature early, we prick them two
or three times, or clip the main roots to
shorten them somewhat; but in thus
doing we do not develop the full powers
of the plants; we only direct into par
ticular channel. When we wish to have
plant develop its fullest capacity, f ON
secure it with all its roots and rootlets
entire, and place them in the prepared
soil in position as near as they grow
in the seed-bed as possible, firming the
soil around the roots enough so that the
moisture may be retained, not to rapid
ly evaporate. In all transplanting, the
natural relations of plants are disturbed
to greater or less extent; if the roots
are much marred or shortened, their abb
sorbing capacity is disturbed and the
leaves wilt, as they give off moisture
faster than it is absoi bed by the roots.
From this fact we would infer that
moist or wet atmosphere was indicated
as the best time for transplanting, other
things being equal. The state of the
plant also exercises governing in
fluence on the operation; Just what
state of tho atmosphere, plant and soil,
should be in, it is difficult to instruct,
on paper, the uninitiated; the proper
state is only learned by experience; but
some general rules may be given to in
dictate the most proper time, which rules
must be modified or followed according
to our judgment and sense of propriety.
First, the plants should attain suita-
BILE size; without being too large, they
should be strong and healthy, with good
roots in proportion TO the top. Second,
moist soil and atmosphere, without be-
ing so wet as 10 be muddy or sticky, is
the best; next, the plants arriving at a
suitable stage without the above condi-
: lions, wet the plant bod thoroughly
carefully withdraw the plants and set in
the after part of the day, when the sun
J is declining, keeping the plants constant.
e ly wet; water the hills well, and when
: the water is soaked away set the plants
e tirming the soil around them well, then
water with plenty of water; this ans.
: wers for field operations, or on an ex-
y tended scale; but where only a few
? plants are set, as in a garden, open 8
o suitable hole with the dibble or trowel
n insert the roots of the plant just with.
!, drawn from the bed, and fill with water
t which will cause the soil to settlearound
n the roots 50 that if the plant is ali right
# it will not wilt, even when done under
8 a bright afternoons qun.--W. II. WHITE
in tie Country Gen icmdn.