1854. 



NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 



427 



southern planters formerly suffered somewhat in 

 purse, though little in body, on account of devot- 

 ing too much of their attention to one sole crop — 

 cotton. Now, many have learned better, and 

 raise their own corn and make their own bacon, 

 and occasionally produce other things which en- 

 ter into the consumption of their families. 



HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS FOR 

 AUGUST. 



Nurserymen will now be busy about budding. 

 In large nurseries, and where competent budders 

 are scarce, it is necessary to commence earlier than 

 in smaller nurseries, or where plenty of help can 

 be had when wanted. 



Plum Stocks. — The curculio has been so de- 

 structive to the plums, that for several years the 

 demand for plum seeds of the finer varieties has 

 been greater than the supply, consequently, mjiny 

 have raised stocks from seeds of the wild plum, or 

 have imported their stocks from Europe. 



The seeds of the free growing varieties are suit- 

 able for stock, but the wild plum, if used, should 

 be budded or engrafted close to the ground, for 

 most varieties grow vigorously upon it, and will 

 soon outgrow the stock. Plum stocks are the first 

 to be budded, for in dry situations they will stop 

 growing by the last of July or first of August. 



Pear Stocks. — In some situations pear stocks 

 continue to grow until the middle of August or 

 first of September, then cease growing for tlie 

 season. In such situations they should be budded 

 early in August; but inmost of the western States 

 they make a second growth ; where this is the 

 case, if they are budded early, the buds often 

 start in the autumn and make a growth of from 

 one to six inches, but this wood does not have 

 time to mature before the frosts of winter destroy 

 it. Nurserymen in new locations will notice these 

 facts, and govern themselves accordingly, with re- 

 gard to the time of budding. 



CuERUiES. — The black Mazzard is the best va- 

 riety of cherry for stocks. The seeds should be 

 cleansed from the pulp as soon as ripe, and plant- 

 ed immediately, or put away in sand and kept till 

 spring; but it is better to plant them in the fall, 

 for they start early in the spring, and if not 

 planted until they have commenced growing,many 

 of them will be lost. The middle of August is 

 early enough to commence budding cherries. 



Pear on Quince Stocks. — With us tlie quince 

 stocks continue to grow until late in the autumn, 

 but we generally commence budding tliem simul- 

 taneously, or immediately after wc have finished 

 budding the pear stocks. 



Apple Stocks. — The budding maybe commenced 

 upon apple stocks by the middle of August, and 

 in ordinary seasons continued until the middle of 

 September. 



Peacii Stocks. — These can be left till the first 

 of September, but should be completed in season 

 to have the buds well established before tlie plants 

 stop growing. 



Roses can l)e budded now. 



Examine the different varieties of fruit as your 

 trees come into bearing, to sec if they are correct, 

 and what are their merits in your locality. 



Strawberries. — Where it is desirable to make 

 new strawberry beds, or to propagate plants for 

 sale, it will be necessary, the beginning of the 

 month, to put the old beds, between the rows, in 

 good condition, that the runners may form strong 

 roots preparatory to being removed to the new 

 beds the last of August or first of September. 



Bulbs. — Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissus, Crocus, 

 &c., can now be taken up and separated and laid 

 aside until the middle of September, when they 

 should be again planted. 



Dahlias. — These will now be coming into flow- 

 er ; see that they 9,rc well fastened to ,the stakes 

 in such a manner as to keep them from being 

 blown over, or looking too stiff and unsightly. — 

 Farmer'' s Com. 



BATHING. 



A daily external application of cold water, has 

 a reviving and invigorating effect but little under- 

 stood by those who never practiced it. Fvery 

 class of persons, and especially those who work 

 on the farm through the hot and dusty summer 

 months, should practice daily bathing. The al- 

 most continued prespiration causes every particle 

 of dust which touches the body to adhere, and in 

 a short time the pores are obstructed , and the skin 

 covered with dirt. A thorough washing off in 

 cold or tepid water each night, before going to 

 bed, besides keeping the pores open and thus tend- 

 ing to the promotion of health, "will dispel those 

 feelings of debility and lassitude so common with 

 many during the sultry months of summer, and 

 infuse a new life into the frame. Some prefer the 

 morning, there is no doubt but a morning bath is 

 highly invigorating, but we think a thorough 

 cleansing of the skin before going to bed, and a 

 change of clean dry clothes to sleep in, of great 

 importance. 



Children should be accustomed to frequent loath- 

 ing from their infancy. It doubtless adds greatly 

 to their health and enjoyment, to say nothing of 

 cleanliness. They will soon learn to consider it 

 a great enjoyment, and perform the operation 

 themselves. 



Sir Ashly Cooper was a great believer in the 

 elficacy of bathing. Hear what be say to the 

 ladies about it : 



Immediatelj' on retiring from bed, and having 

 all previously ready, take off your nightdress, then 

 take up from your earthen pan of two gallons of 

 water, a towel, quite wet, but not dripping , be- 

 gin at your head, rubbing hair and face and neck 

 and ears well ; then wrap yourself behind and be- 

 fore, from neck to chest, your arms and every 

 portion of your body. l?emand your towel into 

 tiie pan, charge it afresh with -water, and repeat 

 once all I have mentioned, except the head, unless 

 that be in a heated state, when you may do so, 

 and with great advantage. Three minates will 

 now have elapsed. Throw your towel into the 

 pan, and then proceed with two coarse long tow- 

 els to scrub your head and face and body, when 

 four minutes will have you in a glow ; then wash 

 and hard rub your feet, brush your liair and com- 

 plete your toilette, and trust me that this will 

 give new zest to your existence. A mile of walk- 

 ing may be added with advantage. — Indiana Far- 

 mer. 



