Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/420

39S] PL A and propagated in our climate., 2. T! ey afford a pleasing variety of forms and colours. 3. Tir.Mr liowers or blossoms will appear in succ; s- sion, from tl~e early spring to a late period in autumn ; and, 4. There is no species here enumerated, that require^ an artificinl or troublesome mod" of cnltnre. PLANTING, in gardening and agriculture, inplies the setting of a plant or tree ; which, on being re- moved from its former place, is fixed in a fresh cavity proportioned to its size. The best season for transplant- ing is, from November to the end of February ; because the genera- lity of plants, trees, shrubs, &c, during those months, are in a dor- mant state, and receive little injury from their removal ; provided the weather be o/;c/V. The quality of the soil, as well as the climate, si- tuation, and exposure, shouldthere- fore be relatively consulted. It will also be necessary to mark the sides of the plants on which tlicy are ex- posed to the sun, and to place them exaftly in th.e same direction ; tor otherwise the circulation of the sap will be prevented, and their growth consequently impeded. Farther, the roots must be properly spread before the plant is settled in ihe ground, when a portion of fine mould should be strewed over them ; and, on being sprinkled with water, the whole ought to be close- ly i)resscd down, to the consistence of unbroken earth. — A piece of long stable-dung, or a little saw- dust, or the ihaws of hemp or flax, should next be scattered on the spot, in order to prevent the roots Irom being injured by the frost ; and, if the plants do not stand close- ly together, it will be advisable to support them with stakes, during PL A thn fitst year at the least : %^6^ stakes, however, must be carefully fixed in a triangular direiStion, in- clining towards the tree at the top, in an angle of 30 or 40 degrees j and at such a dept ), that they may not intertere with the roots. It will also be proper to insert a few battens between the posts, and to intt^rtwine them with small birch, or other twigs, that will not damage the bark, while they admit a free passage to the rain-water : by this simple contrivance, the bark is at the same time effec'tually secured fron^ the rot. In the 4th volume of Annals of Aiyricidture, we meet with an iU'- teresting account of the cheapest mode of planting, which was acci- dentally discovered by James B.r- NARO,Esq. — It consists simply in plougiiing up new land, and sow- ing the seeds of the Scotch hr, to- gether with oats. The crop of grain will, according to his compu- tation, repay theexpence of plough- ing ; and no farther trouble will be required. Thus, the most barren spots, though over-grown with i'urze, may be converted to the greatest profit; for, as the seeds of the latter continually vegetate ifi the soil, they will speedily grow up, and shelter the young firs, till they at length over-top the furze, which will eventually perish, while a stock of tiiriving plants will be obtained. PLASHING of Hedges, a term employed by farmers to denote an operation, which is pevfoimed on quickset hedges at certain seasons, with a view lo assist their growth, and promote their durability. For this purpo.se, the principal steiDs siioiild be selected to serve aa stakes, at proper distances, the tops of which are to be cut off at the