A FEW RULES AND MAXIMS. 335 



let them thaw out in a cellar undisturbed. If roots are black, 

 shrivelled, or musty from long transportation, wash them in 

 clean water, and, in the case of strawberries, shorten them 

 one-third, and then plant at once in moist soil. 



9. In cultivating strawberry plants recently set, stir the 

 surface merely, witli a rake, not over half an inch deep. 



10. Never disturb roots by working among them in dry 

 weather. At such times, stir the surface only, and often. 



11. If you water at all, water thoroughly, and keep the 

 soil moist till rain comes ; otherwise watering is an injury. 



12. The easiest and cheapest way to keep a garden clean 

 is to rake the ground over once a week on sunny days. 

 This method destroys the weeds when they are just appear- 

 ing, and maintains moisture. 



13. Pick fruit, if possible, when it is dry, and before it is 

 over-ripe. Do not leave it in the sun or wind, but take it at 

 once to coolness and shade. Pack carefully and honestly. 

 A quart of small, decayed, green, or muddy berries scattered 

 through a crate of fine fruit may reduce its price one half. 



14. Mulch everything you can. Save all the leaves and 

 litter that can be gathered on the place, and apply it around 

 the plants only when the ground is moist. Dry ground cov- 

 ered with mulch may be kept dry all summer. 



15. Practise summer pinching and pruning only when 

 plants are in their spring and early summer growth, and not 

 after the wood begins to ripen. If delayed till then, wait till 

 the plant is dormant in the fall. 



16. Sandy or gravelly land can usually be worked imme- 

 diately after rain ; but if heavy land is plowed or cultivated 

 when wet, or so dry as to break up in lumps, it is injured. 



1 7. Watch all crops daily. Plants are living things, and 

 need attention. Diseases, insects, drought or wet, may de- 

 stroy them in a few days, or even hours, if left uncared for. 



