Some Principles of Grafting. 23S 



our frnit journals by our southern nurserymen for the past year or two, 

 but it is finding its way north quite slowly. The reason for this is that 

 it i.-; a native of Texas and other southern states and has not becomo 

 acclimated to our interior and changeable weather. It is found growing 

 along the Missouri near Brownville, or at least Mr. S. W. Christy of 

 that place has a "Pecan Lodge." His trees, I believe, are too young 

 yet to test their bearing qualities. The pecan is also found growing 

 on an island of the Mississippi river north of Davenport, la., and as 

 t.^iat locality is a degree and a half north of Brownville, Neb , we migh;: 

 reasonably expect a hardy tree from nuts obtained in the former lo- 

 cality. I have been writing to a party at Daveoport for two seasons. 

 I'Hst. to have some nuts sent me for planting, but thus far without suc- 

 cess. A third trial this fall may result more favorably. Would be 

 glad to hear from any growers of the pecan in southeastern Nebraska. 



WINTER PROTECTION FOR SHRUBS AND ROSES. 



We have many half-hardy shrubs and roses that are better for a 

 protection over winter. Often a simple mulching of leaves or manure 

 about the roots is all that is needed; and their needs will be determined 

 very largely by the location and condition of the soil at time of winter 

 coming. 



Shrubs and roses against the north side of the house will usually 

 winter more safely than those found on the sunny side. The same 

 principles apply here as in the strawberry bed, viz., the alternate freez- 

 ing and thawing is what we need to guard against. To this end a pro- 

 tection about the roots of the bush is all that is needed. There are 

 certain shrubs like the Althea that are tender in wood and bud — 

 similar to the peach — and it is these, along with our half-hardy roses, 

 that we need to give more perfect protection by covering the top. An 

 old gunny sack with the bottom cut open may be placed over the tops 

 and then filled with straw or leaves. Several thicknesses of burlap 

 when wrapped snugly about the tops may be easily placed and will 

 answer the purpose equally as well. It is well also to add the mulching 

 of leaves or other litter about the roots. Where shrubs are too tender 

 to be wintered safely in this way they may be salefly dug up and with 

 the dirt clinging to roots, placed in a cellar. I have wintered good 

 sized Altheas or "Rose of Sharons" in this way and they do not seem 

 to suffer any diminution in their blooming habits by this treatment. 

 They should be kept in a cool and dark corner of the cellar if possible, 

 and if cellar is dry, water the roots as needed. Last winter was a 

 hard one on rose bushes generally. Even the Crimson Rambler, which 

 usually stands out without protection, was badly hurt in most instances. 



