The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1871-11-17
Taking mp and Re-petsiux.

The following good peactical hints ara from
the pen Of an old correspondent Edgar San.
ders, which we copy from the Prairie Farmer.
We have been several times asked this fall
Tor particular instructions how to proceed in
taking plants from the open ground, and trans
ferrlng to pots so as to have as few die as pcs-
siole. In answer to which, we had taken some
pains to go pretty thoroughly into the matter.
presumlng that although il might appear a
rather hackneyed subject TO some, there was
evidently numbers each Year springing I'D
that required just such information as others
were in possession Of
That article went the way of pretty much
all Chicago, down with the fire. We now re-
ier again to the matter, and hope better
tate awaits this cne.
Transpanting trees and shrubs out of doors
is different only, to that Of taking up and re-
pottinS plants for the greenhouse or window,
and any person who can perform the one can
the other, with this difference perhaps-that
Tor out OF doors planting the subjects are gen.
orally in state of rest while tender plants
have all their forces in full vgor. They are
both alike in the manner of roofing, some
having some small fbrolls roots, quite close to
the bulb, comparatively easily removed, while
others have long, struggling roots, and gener.
ally termed difficult of removal. Ono can
tell something what sort of roots tree or
plant is making by its growth. For example,
ii pushing but few shoots and those of a Wig
orous nature, then the chances are such plants
are also making a few strong roots, while If
the growth is mass of small shoots then the
roots will correspond, and the latter will re-
move very much the easiest
If in transplanting not fibre is injured,
then it can never show signs of removal, while
in proportion 10 the destruction of roots, will
4 bn IN rd off 1anoar NJ auttinO
in the top or otherwise. All trees and plants
are constantly giving off moisture, even when
denuded of leaves; this is supplied by the
roots from the soil, and if the roots are de-
stroyed the supply ceases, and the subject
dries up in consequence.
As humid atmosphere prevents this vast
age to to great an extent, transplanting is bet
ter performed in the spring than in the fall,
and in climate like England as compared 10
our own. A plant taken up, potted and plac-
ed in the full sun out of doors, would very
soon dry up to powder, while If placed In a
confined atmosphere, easily kept moist, like a
cold pit for instance, with the rays of the sun
partially obstructed, would wilt hut little, and
very soon put forth their roots and recover.
We believe it was DIR. Stayman Of Kansas,
that few years ago attempted to prove on
philosophical grounds, that for successful
transplanting no tree or plant should ever be
pruned at removal. 1t is safe to say few gar
deners took stock in the idea, and continue
to prune back in proportion to the mutilation
of the roots at removal.
There is method of pruning with pot
plants, easy of application, which is dislea6ng.
A plant deprived of one-haf of its leaves will
need but one-half its roots to furnish sap
enough to keep from willing. To sam up, Sc
cure all the roots possible; if with some soil
attached, so much the better. Put into as
small pots as the roots will conveniently 60
into, and in light, leafy soil to induce fresh
roots to start out. Prune back and disleaf, so
that whiting of the foliage does not take place
materially, when given the best position at
disposal. Frequently sprinkling the foliage
prevents evaporation, and is a help in this
matter also.