316 ANNUAL REPORT. 



roof to find more coiigeaial homes, and he fiads himself a prematurely old man in 

 the world, a sad picture to contemplate, he mi}' look back upon the neglected little 

 things with deep regret. 



The complete farmer's garden should conform in style and character to the home- 

 stead and its surroundings, and in size to the wants of the family. It should be 

 located in the immediate vicinity of the house, so that it may be readily accessible 

 and under the constant supervision of the household. It should be located if 

 possible, so as not to take away from the cheerful aspect of the homestead, but 

 rather to add to its charms. . If a portion of it is devoted to the cultivation of 

 flowers, that should, if possible, be so located that the passing neighbor and stranger 

 may enjoy its beauty and fragrance. Flowers are like pure breezes and sunlight, we 

 enjoy them none the less because others enjoy them too. Another reason why it 

 should be located near the house is that a great many leisure moments may be 

 utihzed in weeding and taking care of it, besides the saving of time in going a long 

 distance to gather its products as they are wanted for daily use. 



Some judgment should be exercised in choosing the soil for the garden. A de- 

 cidedly gravily or sandy soil is unsuitable for general garden purposes, and so is a 

 heavy tenacious clay soil. The very best soil is a sandy, deep, rich loam that will 

 work easily and dry off quickly after a rain, and yet retain sufficient moisture to 

 withstand considerable of a drouth. For this northern cUmate it is better for hav- 

 ing a southern exposure sloping a little to the east and south. Almost all vegeta- 

 bles and most of the fruits do better upon land that is sloping enough to give good 

 surface drainage, say about one foot to thirty. It should be securely enclosed so 

 that neither stock, poultry or dogs can enter it at will. It would be better if the 

 north and west sides were protected from chilling and tempestuous winds, either 

 by a tight board fence or a live hedge. A high bluff, grove of timber or orchard 

 on the north side affords good protection, but as farm buildings are often erected 

 without regard to the garden it cannot always be located on the most suitable spot. 

 Another important requisite for the garden, is to bring it into a high state of culti- 

 vation and fertility by deep plowing and the liberal application of manures. For the 

 present purpose, as but few of our farmers will care to make a separate plot for 

 each, we will make it a combination fruit and vegetable garden. Having selected, 

 manured and fenced a spot for a garden, the next question that arises is, what shall 

 we plant and how shall we manage to gain the best results at the least possible 

 expense of time and labor. If it contained one or more acres of ground, I would 

 recommend devoting one-third to one-half to permanent plantations of summer fruits, 

 chiefly sti-awberries, raspberries, currants and grapes, and an asparagus bed, pieplant 

 patch, etc. To facilitate cultivation I should plant every thing that will do as well 

 in long rows instead of square plats, so that a horse may be used to help in the work. 

 I should lay off a border upon the north side and the two ends, or all around, from 

 twelve to sixteen or more feet wide, to be used chiefly- for the permanent planta- 

 tions of fruits and perennial plants, leaving a four foot walk inside to separate it 

 from the remainder, and for convenience in using a wheelbarrow, turning the 

 horse in cultivation, etc. In making the permanent plantation, commence on the 

 nortli border, at the end nearest the house. 



First, leave room for hot beds and cold-frames; next a little plat for early lettuce. 



