alendar for (_)ctober. 
PROF. S. B. GREEN, ST. ANTHONY PARK. 
While the ground may remain open until some time in November, 
yet I have found it safe in this section to plan to close up the working 
of the land by the 20th of this month. Among the things that will 
require attention before that time will be the pruning and covering 
of grapes, the covering of raspberries and blackberries and other 
plants that are likely to be injured by the winter. 
I found that such varieties of gooseberries as the Downing, which 
is a little tender in its fruit bud, and Fay’s Prolific currant, which is 
likewise tender, are greatly improved by being covered in winter, 
Some of our shrubs also are greatly benefited by a little winter pro- 
tection, especially those that were set the previous spring, since 
they are not as hardy the first winter after being transplanted as in 
subsequent years. 
The land that is to be worked early in the spring should be plowed 
this fall. This cultivating of surface soil protects from winter 
drouth, and while itis not perhaps so important to protect from 
winter drouth as from summer drouth, yet it is desirable to save as 
much moisture in the soil as possible. 
Apple trees should be banked up with a few spadefuls of earth to 
‘protect them from mice. Where jack rabbits are troublesome, good 
protection is afforded by painting the trees with a paint made of 
Portland cement and skimmed milk containing abouta tablespoon- 
ful of Paris green to a pail of the mixture. This does not injure the 
tree, stays on well and affords excellent protection. 
During the first half of this month is the best time for planting 
red raspberries, blackberries, currants and gooseberries. They seem 
to do much better when properly planted in the fall than when 
planted in the spring. Proper planting of these consists in firming 
the soil compactly around the roots, and then after planting putting 
a spadeful or so of earth on top of each plant and later ona little 
mulch. Treated in this way the chances of loss are very slight 
indeed, and even blackcap raspberries may be planted in this way 
with very good success. 
‘Apple and plum trees may also be planted in the fall with success 
if, after planting, the tops are bent flat on the ground and covered 
entirely with soil and then the roots of the plants are well mulched 
on theapproach of winter. While this makes more work in planting 
than would be necessary in spring planting, yet itis at this season 
of the year that we are apt to havea little spare time, while in the 
spring the work is apt to crowd-us. Currant, willow and other 
cuttings may now be made and planted out and covered and mulched 
as recommended for newly set raspberries. 
This is also a good time for digging around and manuring 
currants and gooseberries, but the manure should be worked into 
‘the soil. J 
Tulips, crocuses and daffodils for early blooming should be 
planted at this time, and beds of them makea very pretty showing 
