The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-12-20
The Centennial Tree.

The few weeks remaining before winter
sets in will afford the only chance for plant
ing tree which shall in after years be looked
upon with interest as memorial of this noted
year-1876. We have mentioned this matter
several times before, and doubtless many Of
our readers have adopted our suggestion, and
by this time have their trees nicely estab
lished. If you have neglected the matter
until now, 60 about it at once. There may
be space enough on the premises for each
member of the family to have tree.
Grandpa should have one, because be will
not be here much longer, aud when he is
gone it will serve to keep our remembrance
of him ever after; far more 80 than mon
ument in the cemetery, for monuments call
to our minds the funerals of our friends,
rather than their lives. The baby surely
ought to have tree, kind of friend to
grow up with. twill be q pleasure in after
years, when the baby is man or woman,
to know that the tree was a child at the same
time.
Tree planting is not difficult, but should
be done With care. Dig the hole yard
across, and in all cases two feet deep. The
soil may be poor. Then carry away the pile
you have taken out and supply its place with
better.
AS general rule, select no tree higher
than ten or twelve feet, or with trunk more
than three inches in thickness, yet it does
not pay to plant mere twig and wait an
extra ten or twelve years for it's growth.
Nearly all the branches should be cut off,
and some Of the roots, though this trimming
is often carried to excess. Not all trees will
stand transplanting; it is almost impossible
to raise hickories, for example, except where
the nuts are planted. Fins and NAPLES are
most desirable for shade and ornament, and
fortunately they are easy to transplant.
Nearly all fruit trees may be transplanted,
the autumn being the most favorable time for
planting all except the stone fruit. Ever
greens must be left until May or June. Afer
planting the trees be sure and cover the roots
with straw, leaves, or manure, about six inches
deep, before cold weather. On the occasion
of planting the trees it may be thought
pleasant to have some nice ceremony,
speeches, poem, or the singing of songs.
Horses and their Drivers.
Very many years ago, | made up my mind
that when there was quarrel between man
and a horse, in nine cases out of ten the man
was in the wrong. Continued observation
has only served to confirm this belief
The radical error into which drivers fall,
is, that the horse knows perfectly what is
wanted of him, and will not do it. Then the
driver proceeds to show that he is the mas.
ter, and, in the vast majority Of cases, the
horse is punished without the slightest idea
why he ia so treated.
For horse to understand instantly what
his driver desires, there must exist a pleasant
feeling between them. The horse must feel
confidence in it's driver, and with one driver
horse will show himself fearless of locomo.
tives, and with another he will dread them.
One man will drive horse fifteen miles with |
no more fatigue to the animal than another
will produce in driving him ten.
Nothing tends more to cruelty to animals
than does cowardice. The man who has a
lurking fear of his beast, is the one who
treats him the most harshly. The man who
is afraid of no horse, is just the man who
treats ell kindly. He is perfectly aware
that there is always danger with horses; Blu.
he also knows that this does not depend upon
the horse, but mostly comes from some ex-
traneous source, the bad driving of others
whom he meets on the road, or accident of
some sort. HIS has friendly feeling to-
wards his beast, as being willing and USE
full servant and companion, ready to do his
whole duty, and more than his duty. So
there springs up pleasant feeling on both
sides, the horse ia encouraged and cheerful,
and gets through his work easily and we'll
Such driver gets vastly more from his
horses than does the cruel one. They come
in fresh, they feel and sleep well, and begin
the next days work under favorable condi-
tions. Age tells but slowly on them; at f.. l.