VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GARDEN. 103 



that they should continue long enough to bring for- 

 ward vegetation in any great degree, for we are 

 certain to have cold weather after it. We had bet- 

 ter bear patiently the cold and bleak winds while 

 we are clad in furs, than be compelled to lay them 

 aside only to take them up again. The rains 

 which come from time to time are apt to be cold, 

 and often mingled with snow. If the weather 

 should be warm at the very end of the month, the 

 snow-drop may be looked for, the first flower of 

 spring, and such a hardy little thing, that it does 

 not mind if a snow storm comes along and covers 

 it up for a day or two. As soon as the sun melts 

 it off, it looks as bright as ever again. 



APRIL. If the weather is favorable, and we are 

 not visited with snow storms and cold rains, as is 

 too often the case, some preparation may now be 

 made for a garden. Asparagus beds may be pre- 

 pared, beans and peas sowed, and potatoes for early 

 use may be planted. Housewives will endeavor to 

 make preparation for a variety of the fragrant and 

 medicinal herbs used in a family, fennel, marjoram, 

 sage, parsley, lavender, balm, mint, &c. Garden 

 vegetables, lettuce, onions, parsnips, radishes, and 

 salsafy, may be sowed. Cucumbers under pots 

 and glasses. 



Toward the end of the month, flower seeds may 

 be sown. If bulbs were put into the ground last 

 year, they will begin to be in blossom this month 

 in sunny places, which are sheltered from the cold 

 winds. The crocus and snow drops, the narcis- 

 suses, will show their flowers, and the crown impe- 

 rials, tulips, and hyacinths, will be giving promise 

 of their future beauties. The flower beds must 

 now be raked fine. If rose bushes and other shrubs 



