152 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWEE GAUDEN. 



to make it difficult, will come cheaper, and be more 

 easily attainable than it will be when spring shall set 

 every cart at work. 



Manure too, for laying up to mellow for future use, 

 can often be bought in January cheaper than a month 

 later, when almost every owner of a garden gets anxious 

 to make a hot-bed. Some of the most valuable com- 

 posts are two years in mellowing or more, and no time 

 should be lost in setting them to work. A little of the 

 winter leisure may be very valuably occupied in turning 

 over, and thoroughly mixing the different composts, not 

 forgetting in doing so to pick out wireworms, and all 

 mischievous grubs most carefully. 



Gravel walks should be rolled, after slight rains and 

 after gentle thaws, but in a quick thaw using them 

 should be altogether as much avoided as possible, and 

 (a word to the wise) before thaw comes completely on 

 all drains should be cleared of dead leaves, and placed 

 in good working order. Snow should be swept from the 

 paths pretty constantly, to prevent its softening them 

 completely when thaw comes ; but it may be laid up in 

 masses on any spare bit where it can do no harm, as it 

 is a valuable fertilizer. To some plants a covering of 

 snow is as good a protection as any. 



When thaw after frost makes the earth moderately 

 soft, not sappy, it is a good time for levelling inequalities 

 on lawns, which should always be cleared away if 

 possible, because they are not only detrimental to its 

 general appearance, but they are also terribly in the 

 way in mowing, whether with a machine or with the 

 scythe. The grass may be swept and rolled from time 

 to time. 



All the seeds may be looked over, arranging, packing 

 up, and writing on those that are good, and throwing 

 away those which have been proved to be bad, or which 

 are too old. N.B. Use mouse-traps whenever they are 

 wanted : the killing trap, a row of four to be bought for 

 sixpence, I have always found the best. 



As long as winter's utmost rigour kindly holds aloof 

 lose no time in planting any trees, shrubs, or plants that 



