CARE OF TREES AND PLANTS. 241 



result that it checks the j?rowth of weeds, and retains the 

 moisture for the benefit of the plantation. Since adopting 

 this method we have never failed to secure a crop of fruit. 

 About the time the ground commences to freeze, the straw- 

 berry plantation should be thoroughly covered with old hay. 

 Why? Because old hay is free from weed seed. A covering 

 of an inch is sufficient. In very windy districts it is some- 

 times necessary to confine this covering by occasional weights 

 lest it should be blown off by high winds, but after it is matted 

 down it usually sticks the winter through. We have often- 

 times used stable litter, preferably litter from stables where 

 prairie hay was fed. Not wise to use litter from stables 

 where clover is fed, since it is liable to result in a considerable 

 amount of clover springing up within the plantation. Fail- 

 ing to get either hay or stable litter, use straw, selecting that 

 which is as free as possible from weed seeds. 



HOME GROUNDS,, ORNAMENTAL SHRUBBERY. 



At this season of the year it is not difficult to collect a great 

 quantity of leaves. Leaves have been blown into ditches and 

 sheltered places and can be gathered very rapidly. They will 

 be found very useful as a covering about ornamental shrub- 

 bery, roses and bulbs, one of Nature's own and best protec- 

 tions. 



A heavy mulch of leaves or fine litter will be found a great 

 protection to the root systenj of ornamental plants. In Ne- 

 braska our winters are likely to be very dry and this soil 

 cover lessens the soil evaporation and the danger that the 

 ground will freeze dry during the Avinter. 



ROSES. 



Tea roses and half hardy roses may be protected by first 

 making a mound of earth, sod or other material over which 

 to bend the rose bush. Over this florists usually cover with 

 soil. In many places sods can be procured, and a covering 

 of sods will not blow away. 



