The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1885-04-29

owners to begin, by planting trees, the
work of reclaiming the thousands of
acres of old, poor, ledgy, moss-grown
pastures, - we shall give some examples
of what has been done in this and other
countries in reclothing waste and bar
rem places with forests that gladden.
the eye, ameliorate the land and enrich
the pocket
Whether for ornamental or economic
purposes, the rule to select the species
that grow naturally in the region and
are hardy should be followed. Ver-
mont is rich in ornamental trees. Chief
among them is the elm. 1t carries its
canopy of shade high into the air, and
its overarching branches embower
streets and sidewalks. 1t is a hardy
tree, endures the climate and with
stands the tempests that destroy or
mutilate its fellows. The maple has its
peculiar glories in summer and autumn,
and they are not surpassed by any ma
tive of the soil. Growing in the fields or
by the roadside, its luxuriant summer TO-
liage rounds it into outlines unmatched
for beauty and symmetry, and when
October paints it's leaves with red and
gold it contributes to landscapes of I'M
surpassed brilliancy and magniicence.
The white birch affords a dash of re-
lieving color among trunks of somber
brown and gray, and the berries of the
mountain ash furnish, in autumn, clus-
tiers of glowing red to add beauty and
variety to the scenery of the street or
park, private grounds, church or school
house precincts. The thorn-apple's
spines do not invite too close acquaint-
anceship. 1t can, however, be coaxed
by pruning into attractive forms, and
its spring-time inflorescence is profuse,
milk-white and fragrant. The shad-
bush and wild cherry beautify the
early landscape with their white-ban-
nered welcome to spring. The sumac's
crimson spires and scarlet leaves add to
the glory of autumn days. a judicious
mingling of these humble members of
the great family of trees with their
more stately relations will contribute to
delightful effects in public or private
grounds and enhance the enjoyment of
observers. The evergreens and their
adaptability to arboreal decoration
need no formal recommendation While
contributing to the ornamentation of
home or farm grounds, they may be
made useful as screens to unsightly
objects, and as wind-breaks to furnish
shelter to fruit trees, to stock, dwell
ings and farm buildings.
That a tree, shrub or bush when
planted may live and thrive is the aim
of him who plants. To this end great
care must be taken in selecting speci-
mems, in uprooting and in replanting.
These observations relate to the exist
ing conditions under which tree-plant-
ing must be carried on in this state.
Later on, when the custom has become
established and the business systema-
tized, as it has been with fruit trees,
trees for ornament or commerce will be
started in nurseries and grown to a
suitable size before they are perma,
nently set. Thus due regard to the
quality and kind of stock can be had
and sufficient development and pro.
lection of roots obtained. AT present
the best substitute for nursery-reared
trees is found in the seedlings which
have survived the dangers of chance
sowing in the open fields, along the
fences and by the roadsides. Trees
from three to five years old are more
likely to live, as they can be removed
from the earth with less injury to the
roots than older trees. The roots should
be carefully protected from the sun
cold, or drying winds. When it is pos
sible, allow the native soil to cling tC
the roots. 1t is suggested by those
who have had experience in tree
planting that the roots, as soon as they
have been taken from the ground, BIT
enveloped in pieces of coarse mating
which may be gathered up and bound
around the stem. Dampened straw o.
moss serves similar purpose very well
Dipping the roots in a thin mud of ricl
soil before the tree is set out is alst
recommended. The holes for the tree.
should be carefully made, the richie
surface soil thrown out by itself ant
the roots laid in a natural position
Through the finer fibrous roots at it
base the tree draws its nourishment, ant
the richer soil should be carefully packed
around these by hand. Water should
be freely supplied at the setting ant
throughout the season, particular,
during times of drouth, and the tre'
guarded from injury from any source
A little want of care makes the differ
ence between living and dying to tn,
transplanted subject. We believe it il
unwise to select trees so large as TIVE
inches in diameter, unless extraordi
L.