62 GENERAL ADVICE 



open on top or covered with boards, boughs or 

 even with burlaps (Fig. 68). 



The tops of plants may be laid down for the 

 winter. Fig. 69 shows a method of laying down 

 blackberries, as practiced in the Hudson River 

 Valley. The plants were tied to a trellis, as the 

 method is in that country, two wires (a, 6) having 

 been run upon either side of the row. The posts 

 are hinged on a pivot to a short post (c), and are 

 held in position by a brace 

 (d) . The entire trellis is 

 then laid down upon the ap- 

 proach of winter, as shown 

 in the illustration. The 

 blackberry tops are so strong 

 that they hold the wires up 

 from the ground, even when 



68, Protecting plants the trellig ig laid down< To 

 with a barrel. -11-1,1 i 



hold the wires close to the 



earth, stakes are thrust over them in a slanting 

 position, as shown at n n. The snow which 

 drifts through the plants ordinarily affords suffi- 

 cient protection for plants which are as hardy 

 as grapes and berries. In fact, the plants may 

 be uninjured even without cover, since, in their 

 prostrate position, they escape the cold and dry- 

 ing winds. 



In severe climates, or in the case of tender 

 plants, the tops should be covered with straw, 

 boughs or litter, as recommended for regular 



