The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-12-10
evening State aunrnat.
fFrom the American Agriculturist.l
FARM WORK.
ORCHARD AND NURSERY.

many sections of the country to Tighten
the labors of the coming spring, and adj
vantage must be taken OF every favorable
day that will allow outdoor work to be
we'll and probably done. 49,.
Cut cions from the growth of the past
season before the wood freezes. Label
each variety and store in fresh sawdust in
the cellar, and look to them occasionally
during the winter to see that they do not
dry out. a M lt-e
Pruning, except upon large limbs, may
be done now. Young orchards, if looked
after every year, will seldom require any
large limbs to be cut off; besides, all the
necessary pruning can be done at q time
when other work is not pressing. re4
Stocks for root grating may be lifted
whenever the ground is not frozen, and
heeled-i in in dry place or in the cellar,
ready for grating during the winter.
Continue to cart out manure to the
orchards whenever there is time to spare
from other work. 1t is better for team
to work a little every day than to remain
idle in the stable.
To prevent mice and rabbits iniuring the
trees, keep all rubbish away from the
trunks, and whenever snow falls tramp it
down firmly around the tree. Fresh
blood 'smeared upon the trunks will pre-
vent damage by rabbits, and paper, tarred
or otherwise, or cloth wrapped around the
base of the trunk will keep off mice.
See that heeled-in trees have drains to
and be sure that the roots are properly
covered.
Fruit stored in cellars will need looking
"a Takn nd nfo Of 4ha t,,ax l~afu 10
sell fruits when the prices are good I; better
sell at once than wait until spring and lose
half the fruit, even if prices are somewhat
lower now.
Look after fences and gates, and have all
closed and strong enough to turn stray cat
tie. A stray animal will do more damage
in young orchard in an hour than can be
repaired in years.
Prepare a good supply Of labels, both
for out-of-door use and to mark the trees
shipped in the spring. Every tree sent
out by nurseryman should have label
firmly attached to it on which is plainly
written the correct name of the variety.
Seeds of stone fruit should be buried in
! the open ground at once if it has not ale
ready been done. In the spring most of
them will have sproutsd, vnd be ready to
plant in burrows in the nursery.
SJ 4lai FRUIT GARDEN.
Manure can be drawn out at any time,
and it is usually better to haul when the
ground is frozen, as then the carts will
not make deep ruts.
Grape-vines, if not pruned last month,
should be cut back at once when not
frozen. If left until spring the vines are
very likely to bleed. General directions
for pruning were given last month.
When the ground freezes and indications
show that winter has set in cover the
ground and strawberry vines with straw or
leaves. This is not to prevent the vines
from freezing, but to obviate the effects OF
sudden changes, which do more harm than
severe cold.
KITCHEN GARDEN.
The season is sometimes mild enough to
plow or spade this month, and much can
be done to prepare the soil for early spring
planting, Land plowed in the fall is ready
to work earlier in the spring than when
left untouched. There will probably be
more or less rubbish that has collected
around the garden, and if snow has not
yet fallen this can be cleared up so that no
time will be lost in such work when the
season opens.
Manure is the prime necessity of the
gardener, and as the making and COM
posting can be carried on during the win
ter as well as at other seasons, no part
should be allowed to 60 to waste. Plenty
of earth should be stored under cover for
mixing with stable and hog-pen manure,
and supply of dry earth ought to have
been prepared for use in the privy. IF
there are in the neighborhood breweries,
slaughter houses, and other establishments
from which fertilizing material can be pro-
cured for mixing with stable manure, q
good supply ought to be secured.
Pant and repair the hot-bed sashes
during the cold weather, and make straw
mats at times when there is little to do
out side.
Seeds which have not yet been cared for
must be looked after, cleaned, labeled,
and stored away in dry, cool place ou
of the reach of mice.
Repair broken tools on stormy days, anC
give the woodwork coating of crude
petroleum to protect it from the weather
A marker is very convenient implement
i. to use in garden, and so easily made tina
any one with a little skill in handling tool
can readily make one.
. a58Et Ou every pldCc ttlcit ouSuC W NC run
fitted up with bench and tools for repairing
and making such things as are necessary up
onaiarm or in a garden. The internal fittinl
up may be made as elaborate as the mean
of the owner will allow, OF it may contain
simply workbench with few tools whicl
are absolutely necessary.
u Cold frames for wintering cabbage
should be completely open every mild day
and ventilated whenever the weather vii
allow; on cold, frosty nights cover wit
straw mats or shutters. Look out fo
mice, as they often do much damage t
the plants. Trap or use poison to destro
them.
celery stored in trenches will need add
tional covering as the cold increases stra,
or leaves and boards will answer for cover
ing small quantities.
Apply a slight covering of straw 9
leaves to spinach; it will start earlier i
the spring if it has had little protectio
during the winter. i.Aen
puRpnsAUS