132 APPENDIX. 
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Hovey, Burr’s New Pine, Walker’s Seedling, and 
others, as late as the 21st of October, and every plant 
survived the winter without covering of any kind ; but 
I would not recommend planting later than September. 
_ Next a few words about mulching and after-treat- 
ment. Latterly I have seldom resorted to, mulching. 
I have a rake 7 inches*‘wide with prongs 8 inches long; 
made of highly tempered steel. This is my mulcher. 
With this instrument I work between the rows from 
spring till fall; and frequently when the plants are in 
fruit. I know I shall be told that this is a dangerous 
practice, and I admit that it is in inexperienced hands ; 
indeed, I would not trust another to use it among my 
own plants, owing to the danger of injuring their 
fibres; and yet I use it myself within an inch of the 
crown. When, therefore, I cannot give the necessary 
personal attention to my plants, I resort to the next 
best mulcher, which is tan, either spent or fresh. I 
prefer the latter. The ground should first be well 
stirred, and the tan applied not more than one inch 
thick. Iftoo much is applied, it is apt to ferment and 
kill the plants. Many fine beds have been destroyed 
in this way. Where tan cannot be had, leaves from 
the woods may be used. These make an admirable 
mulch, and promise, in my opinion, to take the first 
place among mulchers. Hay, straw, grass, sawdust, 
&c., are also good; but whatever is used for this pur- 
pose, the crown of the plants must in no case be 
covered. ‘ 
The beds having been properly made, the after-treat- 
ment becomes a very simple matter ; indeed, I know 
of no plant that gives such generous returns at so 
