How few understand, when selecting fruit or ornamental trees, that there are very material points to observe to secure trees that will thrive and do well. Every person who wishes to improve his grounds should become thoroughly acquainted with the value of his soil and all its leading features; wet or dry, deep or shallow, heavy or light; how the exposure, whether east, west, north, or south; clayey, rocky, sandy, or rich loam; and hilly or level. These are very important considerations, and without these being well understood, the highest degree of success cannot be attained. Want of attention to these matters has been the cause very frequently of great disappointment.

People order fruit and ornamental trees of nurserymen, and without ever giving any of these points a single thought, they plant them in places the very opposite of those they have been raised in, and the consequences are, very many die almost immediately, some linger a few months or years, and a few may manage to succeed partially. Now, cases of this kind are of very frequent occurrence; and when they do occur, they cause disappointment, and the nurseryman is unjustly blamed for people's own inattention to the above points. Almost every variety requires different soil, different exposure, and different treatment Where the pear, plum, or cherry, will thrive admirably, the peach will grow indifferently, or not at all. And so with ornamental trees. Many tribes will thrive where others will not grow, and vice versa.

One important consideration in regard to the beauty of a garden, is the appropriateness of the trees planted. Too often we see a great want of judgment or taste in the selection of trees - large growing trees and plants in small places, and small trees or shrubs in large, extensive grounds. All this is evidence of a want of knowledge upon the subject, and can always be remedied by inquiry, so as to have trees conform to the size, exposure, soil, and situation, of the place where planted. In selecting trees, care must be had to select those that have clean, free-growing wood, well furnished with full, fibrous roots, good shaped heads, and well furnished branches.

Too much thought is too frequently given to the cost of a tree rather than to the condition of the tree itself; better to give a fair, reasonable sum to a reliable nurseryman for a good article than to get it for little or nothing from a huckster or puffer, who deals in cheap goods. Always buy of respectable men, pay full prices, get the best, and you will not regret it.