Having for a number of years had to plant trees and shrubs in many parts of London, it was found that in nearly every instance substituting good soil for that found naturally was a first necessity. Many failures in street planting from this neglect of providing suitable soil could be pointed out, the result being that a section of the public has become tired of the subject in consequence of the initial expense and subsequent failures. Too often, also, the important operations of preparing the ground and planting the trees are left in the hands of the surveyor or builder, who has little or no knowledge to fit him for the work, the operation being carried out by labourers who are also entirely ignorant of what is required or the conditions necessary for successful tree and shrub culture. The consequence is that failure is almost certain, and the trees which were strong and healthy when planted gradually become unhealthy and ultimately succumb to a combination of circumstances which were brought about by the ignorance of the operators. Another source of failure in street planting is the generally pent-up condition of the roots, for in several cases that have come under our notice lately the planter seemed to think that it was quite enough to cut a small hole in the pavement or street of sufficient size to hold the roots of the tree to be inserted. Were the soil free, as we find in a field, this system might answer; but where the roadway is hard as iron and composed mainly of clinkers and gravel, the case is totally different. Another fruitful source of failure in street planting is placing the pavement in too close proximity to the stem of the tree, and numerous instances could be pointed out where even old and established specimens have suffered irreparable damage in consequence of having the paving brought up too close to the stems. The roots should always be allowed plenty of breathing room, and to affect this a good-sized space should be railed off around each tree and no pavement laid within it. Gratings may be placed on the surface of the ground around the tree, should circumstances compel such a course. By adopting either plan, a double benefit to the trees is brought about by allowing free access of water to the roots and preventing an accumulation of noxious gases in the soil, as would ensue if the flagstone or pavements were used.