J. Downing preferred early spring; that is, as soon as the frost
is out, and the ground dry enough to crumble freely. Mr. A. S.
Fuller indorses this opinion. Mr. Josiah Hoopes, author of a
valuable work entitled "The Book of Evergreens," advises that
transplanting be deferred to later spring, when the young trees
are just beginning their season's growth; and this view has the
approval of the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder and Mr. S. B. Parsons,
Jr., Superintendent of City Parks. Abundant success is undoubtedly
achieved at both seasons; but should a hot, dry period ensue after
the later planting--early May, for instance--only abundant
watering and diligent mulching will save the trees.

It should be carefully remembered that the evergreen families do
not possess the vitality of deciduous trees, and are more easily
injured or killed by removal. The roots of the former are more
sensitive to exposure to dry air and to sunlight; and much more
certainty of life and growth is secured if the transfer can be
accomplished in cloudy or rainy weather. The roots should never be
permitted to become dry, and it is well also to sprinkle the
foliage at the time of planting. Moreover, do not permit careless
workmen to save a few minutes in the digging of the trees. Every
fibrous root that can be preserved intact is a promise of life and
vigor. If a nurseryman should send me an assortment of evergreens
with only the large woody roots left, I should refuse to receive
the trees.

What I have said in opposition to the transplanting of large trees
applies with greater force to evergreens. Mr. Hoopes writes: "An
error into which many unpracticed planters frequently fall is that
of planting large trees; and it is one which we consider opposed