APRIL. 349 



trowel. If the soil in which the seeds are sown is quite 

 damp, watering it afterwards is not necessary, but other- 

 wise this should be done, afterwards scattering a slight 

 covering of clean straw, hay, or moss, over the watered 

 parts, to retain moisture and prevent baking by the sun. 

 But this covering must be taken off as soon as the young 

 plants appear. Sometimes I have watered the bottom 

 of the drill before dropping the seeds ; after covering 

 with fine soil no farther watering is necessary ; this 

 method has always resulted well. 



INSECTS, ETC. 



Canker worms begin to ascend the trees as soon as the 

 ground thaws. Any protector that is so contrived that 

 they cannot get over it, placed around the tree, is the 

 only sure preventive against their ravages. Mosses and 

 Lichens on the bark of trees may be washed off with ley 

 or soap suds. 



CHAPTER XL. 



APRIL. 

 PLAN^TING. 



Early April, whenever the season is open, is the best 

 time for planting trees, shrubs, and hardy plants, and 

 the work should go on as soon as the soil is in good con- 

 dition and the stock is at hand. If trees, etc., are set 

 now, while the vegetation is yet inactive, there is a chance 

 for the roots to become established in a more natural 

 ■vfay, than if the setting is deferred considerably later, 

 and the chances against loss are greatly lessened. Ever- 

 greens may be set several weeks later than deciduous 

 trees, but the sooner even these are planted the better. 

 For directions on planting see Part IV. 



