SMALL FRUITS. ORNAMENTAL TREES. 253 



out and a few of the weaker canes also. Six canes of the 

 new growth to the square foot may be allowed to stand, 

 and perfect themselves for next year s bearing. It is well 

 to lay them down and cover them over with straw or 

 earth, as a winter protection. 



918. The gooseberry does best in a moist situation, 

 somewhat shaded. Dry hot weather, if exposed to the 

 direct rays of the sun, often causes it to mildew. A heavy 

 mulching of salt or meadow hay around the roots, is 

 useful to it. A mulching of old hay or straw about the 

 roots of all trees and shrubs enriches the land, and prevents 

 the ill effects of a summer drought. 



919. Grapes should be set about the twentieth of 

 October, if convenient, but they do very well if set out 

 in spring. The best time to prune or cut them in, is in 

 the month of November. The first year after they are 

 set out they may be allowed to run at random, to be cut 

 back to within eighteen inches or two feet of the ground 

 in November. The object is to get a strong and healthy 

 growth of wood before they are brought to bearing 

 freely. 



920. Trees planted for ornamental purposes around the 

 house and along the road-sides, add not only to the beauty 

 of the homestead and the landscape, but to the real and 

 permanent value of the estate, and thus pay well for the 

 labor and care bestowed upon them. 



921. The negligence as to cutting grass and grain at 

 the proper season, and allowing it to get too ripe, is a 

 source of very serious loss on many farms. The time 

 of cutting wheat and all the other grains very materially 

 affects the proportion of flour and bran, or the finer and 

 coarser parts in the flour or meal. The grain is heavier, 

 sweeter and whiter when cut ten or twelve days before 



