DECEMBER IN THE SOUTH 411 



Orchard and vineyard planting. This is the time to 

 prepare land. That on which a late crop of cow- peas 

 has grown is well suited for the purpose, and should 

 be plowed deeply and well worked over. Towards the 

 last of the month it should be cultivated again, in 

 order to be ready for the trees next month. 



DECEMBER 



Lawns and yards need watching this month, and at- 

 tention should be paid to the old leaves and 'fall 

 rubbish, which makes the yard look untidy. A good 

 place for the leaves is the compost heap. Hedges 

 should be put in shape and the surface drains kept 

 open. Shrubs and roses should be pruned for an early 

 supply of flowers. The Camellia Japonicas are now in 

 bloom, and care should be taken that the small branches 

 are not torn off, instead of being cut properly. Many 

 of these most beautiful of southern ornamental trees 

 have been ruined by careless plucking of flowers. 



Garden and orchard. Many of the fall vegetables may 

 be sown this month and others sown for a succession. 

 Peas, spinach, roquette, radishes, lettuce, endive, and 

 some Early York cabbage should also be sown. In the 

 old spent hotbeds, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants may 

 be started; there will not be enough heat to hurry them, 

 and good, strong stocky plants will be secured if care 

 is taken. Irish potatoes may be risked, should there be 

 a favorable time for planting during the latter part of 

 the month. Usually they are planted in January. The 

 chances are about equal should they be planted late this 

 month. Nuts of all kinds, both for budding and other- 

 wise, should be planted. Some of the best Louisiana 

 pecans are said to come true from seed, and may be 

 sown where they are intended to grow. 



