"B." in Baltimore, would like to have the puzzle unraveled about tree planting. That many times in spring well planted trees are dying is the natural consequence from the effect that trees taken up in fall or spring, being a few days or a week on the road, lose part of their vitality; if such a tree is planted at once in the open ground exposed to sun and wind, the balance of life is evaporating away if the tree is not strong enough to withstand it. I saved many a hundred trees, especially small evergreens, by heeling up, covering with a light cover of sack cloth; in three days or a week and sometimes two weeks, according how the weather would be, the trees had made small roots about half an inch long; then I knew the trees had regained their strength to grow, and I planted on a cloudy day or in the evening, and seldom lost a tree thus planted. I know a nurseryman, had shipped trees under the same conditions as mine, got the trees the same day, planted at once and about seventy-five per cent. of his died. I heeled mine up and about ninety-five per cent, lived.

There is no danger from breaking the small roots by a little careful handling of the trees, and if a tree or shrub is planted in this way it is sure of success.

Jefferson City, Mo.