The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-11-13
ORCHARD AND NURSERY.

~
Many of the operations mentioned in
this department last month will hold good
for the present, and a little careful thought
will suggest others which we may fail to
mention on account of space.
Planting done now will save q good deal
of time in the spring, and trees are pretty
sure to live in moderate climates if prop
erly planted, aud protected around the
roots with a good mulch.
Seeds Of trees for nursery stock may be
planted now and subjected to the action of
frost. Chestnuts, walnuts, acorns, peach
stones, etc., are much more likely to ger
inmate than if allowed to dry until spring.
Seedlings raised last spring will need mulch
ing, and to be protected from cold winds
by means of evergreen boughs or board
fences.
Heelng-in.-When trees are not planted
at once in the orchard, it is customary to
lift them from the nursery rows and heel
them in. When treated in this way they
do not start until two or three weeks after
those left in the nursery. There is danger,
however, that the work will not be done
properly, and many do not advise it, but
If the trees are carefully lifted, and no air.
holes left around the roots when set in the
trenches, the process is perfectly safe and
reliable.
Ripening is the first step towards decay,
and the more this process is retarded the
longer the fruit remains in a sound condi-
ton. The fruit-room should be opened
whenever the temperature will permit, or
when it is not warmer outside than in.
Stocks for Root-graf1 ing.-Take up,
accnrt md fin in pnuvapiqnt.cizaI hundlpc
pack in boxes of sawdust or sand, and
place in a cool cellar.
FRUIT GARDEN.
Pears that have been carefully preserved
will bring good prices now if put up neatly.
The best method Of marketing choice spec
linens is to pack in shallow boxes contain
ing a single layer of fruit each. wrapping
each pair in soft white paper.
Covering plants, whether with earth or
straw, should not be done too soon, nor
left until too late. The best time is Just as
the ground is about to freeze /; if covered
before this, there is danger of the plants
heating, and consequent decay.
.Rootcuttings of blackberries, raspber-
ries, ETC., are very easily made, and where
a stock of any new or valuable variety is
needed this is the readiest method of prop
agating. The roots are cut into pieces
Of two or three inches in length, and packed
in q box containing earth the box should
be provided with holes to allow the water
to run off, and then buried in a dry place
deep enough to be safe from frost if the
ground is naturally moist, provide a drain.
Cuttings of gooseberrics, currants, and
ounces may be planted now, taking care
to press the soil firmly against the lower
ends of the cuttings.
Grape-rines.-This is the best season ia
which to trim grape-vines, unless they can
he pruned very early in spring before the
sap begins to flow. There has been SO
many methods given in previous numbers
of the Agrlcuha,7st, that it will not be
necessary to repeat them here /; but what
ever method is employed it is best to leave
upon each cane one or two buds more thar
inre necessary, in order to guard agains
winter. killing ; the extra buds may be GU
off early in the spring. Do not cut thu
cane off close to the bud, but leave abou
an inch of wood above each bud.
Grape Cattings.-The wood cut off il
pruning may be used for propagation. Gu
into pieces Of six or eight inches in length
and tie in convenient bundles and bury ii
sand, and place in a cool cellar.