258 STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



not to embark in it. Though the work is never ceasing, it is not so 

 hard and much more pleasant than in many other occupations, as each 

 day, week and month brings us in touch with something new in the 

 wonderful works of nature ; and thus the work never becomes mo- 

 notinous. It also differs from general farming where one or two crops 

 are depended on to supply the ready cash, for the market gardner has 

 something to market the year around. 



He shquld always have his "thinking cap" on, as the planting, cul- 

 tivating, succession, harvesting, marketing and rotation of crops must 

 be well studied. He must be honest and straightforward in all his 

 dealings, and last, but not least, he must secure and haul all the manure 

 he can, the more the better, including the use of some of the commer- 

 cial fertilizers. 



We will now mention some of the various products we should 

 have to market during the year, and some of the numerous things to 

 be done during each month. The time of operations, etc., changing as 

 to location north or south. 



Let us begin with the present month, December, haviug our straw- 

 berries mulched and everything in snug shape for winter, we will at- 

 tend the meeting of the Missouri State Horticultural Society and add 

 something to the stock of knowledge. We should have to market 

 this month celery, lettuce, parsley, cabbage, salsify, parsnips, turnips, 

 beets, carrots, soup-bunches, Irish and sweet potatoes, onions, etc. ; 

 also apples, unless they were at picking time. 



If all the manure was not hauled, spread and plowed under before 

 the ground froze, it must be finished and the plowing done the first 

 thaw-out. 



Hot-beds need attention, a few added ; a succession of lettuce 

 plants coming on, those in hot-i>eds and cold frames need good cover- 

 ing during severe cold weather. The green-house, if you have one, 

 needs daily attention, and by the way it is almost indispensable, as it is 

 just the place to prepare and pack vegetables and do the transplanting 

 into flats during bad weather. What we said about December will 

 also apply to January and February. In addition, blackberries, rasp- 

 berries, gooseberries, currants and grapevines can be trimmed during 

 warm days, cuttings made and fruit trees pruned, if you believe in 

 winter pruning. 



There are a few hot-beds to be added during January, and by the 

 latter part of February, as many more made and planted as can be 

 taken care of during zero nights, but no more. Early cabbage and 

 cauliflower must be started. Out-door gardening can often be done 

 during the last days of February, and early peas, beets, spinach, kale 



