CHAPTER Villa. 

 GARDEN PROTECTION. 



There are three main lines of protection to which the 

 vegetable grower may find himself compelled to give at- 

 tention, and he may sometimes be so beset by ills that he 

 will cry in despair that all forces of earth, air and sky 

 are arrayed against his enterprise. Fortunately, however, 

 there is nothing in the situation, usually, to appall one 

 who is energetic and prompt and eager for success, and an 

 effort will be made to suggest expedients and methods 

 which will assist in repelling various destroying agencies. 

 The three classes of intruders to which attention will be 

 called are these : unfavorable atmospheric conditions ; in- 

 jurious insects and fungi; injurious animals. 



PROTECTION AGAINST WINDS AND FROST. 



Protection against harsh winds has already been in- 

 cidentally mentioned from time to time. There are very 

 few places where a good windbreak will not be of decided 

 advantage, and if the garden ground cannot be selected 

 so as to enjoy the protection of trees and buildings already 

 in place, special planting or construction should be under- 

 taken. A good shelter belt of trees, preferably of ever- 

 green foliage so placed as to break the cold winds from 

 the direction prevailing in the locality, will be found of 

 immense advantage. Where such protection is not prac- 

 ticable, a high fence, even if not closely boarded, will af- 

 ford some protection to a much greater width of ground 

 than one might think at first. 



Protection against frost, effective against a drop of 

 several degrees below the freezing point, is also possible 

 by the use of a smoke smudge. Most effective fires are 



