432 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



VEGETABLE MOULD. 



The Gardener's Record in giving directions for the i)reparation of mould, 

 says : As early in November as the leaves of trees can be collected, let them 

 be brought in a considerable quantity, into a close place, and dressed up tliere 

 in the form of a liot-])ed. Let this be well saturated with the draiuings from 

 the dung-heap, with suds from the wash-house, with urine from the stable and 

 cow-house, where this latter article can be procured. Let this bed or heap be 

 covered and lined witli fresh stable dung, to make it heat. When tlie heat is 

 sufliciently subsided, let the leaves be uncovered and turned over to mix the dry 

 and wet together, and if moisture bo required, let them have it of the same 

 description, repeating the process till all be reduced to fine mould. This will 

 be ready for use in two months from the time of collecting the leaves. To pre- 

 vent any waste of the liquid recommended, a layer of maiden earth, of two feet 

 thick, should be made the substratum, which would receive any of the valuable 

 liquid that would otherwise run to waste. Leaves of slow decomposition should 

 be avoided, as those of the oak, etc., which, however, are tlie best for retaining 

 heat in hot-beds and pits. The leaves of lir should also be avoided, but those 

 of the sycamore, elm, alder, ma})lo, and all the soft kinds are better suited for 

 the purpose. This compost should bo kept dry, in an airy place, and ridged up, 

 so that the vain cannot wasli out tlie salts witli which it abounds. 



WINTER CELERY. 



"We have seen celery well kept through winter by simply burying an ordinary 

 flour barrel in the ground, mixing in the bottom about nine inches of thin mud, 

 placing tlie celery upright with the balls of roots in the mud, and covering the 

 tops over with a mound of straw, leaves, or manure. The celery came out 

 finely bleaclied, and without a sign of shriveling. Experience with many meth- 

 ods has taught us that this is one of the very best for small lots for family use. 

 We have also seen excellent results by placing the barrel in a cool cellar ; of 

 course the roots should be bedded in thin mud in this case as well, and it will 

 keep fresh for a long time. In quantity, celery may be stored in trenches, say 

 two feet wide, and of sufficient depth to take all in except the leaves when 

 standing upright. The plants must be packed closely together, allowing a ball 

 of earth to remain on the roots of each ; bank up slightly on either side ; cover 

 about two feet deep with dry leaves, and place over this a roof -like structure of 

 boards to ward off rain. Water among celery plants during winter is as disad- 

 vantageous as during its growing season it is indispensable. Of all materials 

 for protecting the to])S and to keep out frost, we have found leaves best and 

 corn-fodder poorest ; the latter appears to possess some special attraction for 

 mice, and they will harbor in it in preference to almost anything else. As to 

 location for storing away celery, a hillside in light sandy or gravelly .'^oil is best, 

 and the nearest ap})roach to this will give most satisfactory results. The plants 

 need not be blanched before storing, as old-time gardeners believed ; if prop- 

 erly stored they will come out white, crisp, and tender up to the leaves. To 

 liavc good celery, however, it is, of course, needful that it be well grown ; no 

 plan of storing can make amends for defective culture. — A'. V. Tribune. 



