The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-06-06
THE LANcASTERLED

regard the first opei alton (mulchingl rs of
paramount importance in this climate, and
have spoken of it more particularly else.
where. Mulch evcrything-trees, shrubs,
vines and yegelables- covering the sur
face of the earth, rs far as the roots ex-
tend, with four or five inches Of pine
straw, chip mould, spent tan, sawdust or
forest leayes-and you will find that trcsa
and plants thus treated grow much fas-
ter, and receive little or no check from the
long continued drouths Of midsummer
Water should now he freely and regular
lysurplied to all your growing vegetables,
in the manner heretofore drected-leav-
ing no moisture exposed on the surface to
the suns baking rays. This is an excel
lent time TO attack the weeds, and you
must show them NJ quarter. Cut them
down and let them die OF the surface; or
dig them ur, and burn them, root, branch
and seed.
Seeds Of Cabbage, CauliHower, Celery,
DC, may be sown under low arbors, made
OF brush and pine tops, in order to shelter
them from the fierce rays Of the sun. Wa
ter often, until the plants are we'll up,
when little liquid manure may be used
alternately with the water, from time to
time. Plant full croo Of Okra, without
delay. Plant Peas and Sweet Corn and
Snap Beans, for succession. Transplant
Tomatoes, Cabbages, early Celery, &c. &C.,
and prick out Celery, Caulillowers aud
Broccoli. Pinch of the leading shoots Of
your early Tomatoes, Lima Beans, Melons
and Cucumbcrs, If you want the fruit to
set early, and give the plants liquid ma
nure ifyou desire large specimens. Straw
berry Beds must be kept free from weeds,
well mulched with leaves or "brom straw"
and freely watered in dry weather. If
you desire fruit, cat off all the runners as
fast rs they appear, and keep the ground
cool and mott. But if you wish to in
crease your plants, the mulching may be
dispensed with Except Immediately n
round the plants, as directed last month)
and The surface must he kept clean, open
and mellow.
TIE ORCHARD.
The frost has thinned out most of our
fruit rerv thoroughly, but such Of our
readers rs are more fortunate, should not
allow their young trees, especially, to bear
too heaviy-thin the fruit from one third
to one half, if the branches are heavily
laden, and the remainder will be enough
larger and finer To pay for your trouble
Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, Apricots, &C.,
may now be budded 10y those who still
practice budding, which we have dscon-
tinued, except in particular cases; prefer
ring to graft into good roots during the
winter. Such as desire to bud the Apri-
cot, may use free growing and vigorous
stoc'is Of the Chickasaw Plum will! deci.
ded advantage, but the tree must be train
ed low and branching, instead Of tall, slen-
der and "spindling" Mulch all young
trees set out last spring,and give them CO.
pious watering occasionally. Turn your
small "shoats" into the orchard 10 devour
fallen fruit, and encourage them to "root"
or loosen up the earth, by scattering
handful Of corn to them occasionally, un-
derneath the trees. Large hogs are fre-
quently destructive TO orchards, tearing
and mutilating the branches in their ef-
forts to obtain the fruit, even when the
ground is thickly strcwn will. it.
THE FLOWER GARDEN.
Some hardy Annuals may y 1T be sown,
but it is rather late. Take up bulbous
roots, such as Tulips, lonquills, DC, as
soon as the leaves decay-dry and store
them. Apply liquid manure occasionally
to all your choice flowers. Roses should
now he budded and hycrcd-fumigatc
with tobacco smoke TO DESTROY the Aphis
or Green fly upon the Rose and other
plants. Gather ripe flower seeds in dry
weather. Use water freely among your
flowers whenever it is necessary. Rain
water is best.