22 OF PRUNING. [Jan 



should cover them, the plants will keep in a fine state undei 

 it; so never remove snow from covering cold frames, even 

 suppose it should lie for weeks nature will operate here 

 herself. But when framing cannot be obtained, they will, 

 in this latitude, keep tolerably, if gently covered with leaves 

 or litter, using means to secure them from being blown over 

 the garden. 



OP PRUNING. 



It is not advisable to carry on a general system of pruning 

 m this month, in whatever state the weather may be. The 

 severest frosts, generally, are yet to come, and too frequently 

 what is done now in this operation has to be repeated in the 

 spring, causing, at that time, work to a disadvantage ; 

 because, if pruning, when done just now, is accomplished 

 judiciously, whatever more is requisite to be done in the 

 spring on the same bush will be injudicious. Hence, it is 

 far preferable to delay it till the frost is nearly over, when 

 all can be done to advantage. There are, undoubtedly, hardy 

 trees and some shrubs, that may be pruned and thinned out 

 at any time from the first of November to the first of March : 

 such as Oatasgus, Sorbus, Spirea, and even Althea, in the 

 Middle States; (the Double white Althea is very tender, 

 and requires to be covered.) The tying together the loose 

 branches of Juniper, Cedar, and Arbor vitag should be 

 particularly attended to, as heavy snow frequently destroys 

 the shape of those handsome shrubs by breaking down the 

 branches, &c. When the snow is heavy, the precaution of 

 shaking it off should be resorted to. In many seasons, the 

 beginning of this month is open, and admits of the operation 

 of digging in open quarters, which if not done, as advised 

 last month, ought not to be delayed. The fruits of it will 

 appear in the mellowed state of your soil in spring. 



If there is any spare time, tallies, straight sticks, or stakes, 

 may be prepared for summer use. Tie them up in neat 

 bundles, which will be of great service during the hurried 

 period of the year. An opportunity of this kind should 

 always be laid hold of ; ^he beneficial results will, in season, 

 be displayed. 



