154 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



Tillage. The Mulching of the ground around blackberries, 

 currants gooseberries or raspberries with straw or hay is 

 often practiced to keep the fruits clean ; and the winter 

 Mulch of strawberry beds is used between the rows for the 

 same purpose, as well as to retain moisture and to afford 

 winter protection. Winter Mulch usually consists of leaves, 

 straw, hay, rough manure, boughs of evergreens, or any 

 coarse material that will protect the plants from severe 

 freezing and the heaving caused by alternate freezing and 

 thawing. This winter Mulch should be removed as spring 

 advances, unless it is of such a character as to be 

 worked into the soil to add fertility or to loosen heavy 

 lands. Near the seacoast salt hay is considered to be an 

 ideal Mulch. The winter Mulch must not contain too strong 

 or heav.y manures, or plants may be injured by the leaching. 

 For flower borders and shrubbery, muck or peat makes a 

 good winter Mulch. Ordinarily the Mulch may be placed on 

 to the depth of 4 to 6 inches, and if it is of loose material it 

 may be still deeper. If dry and loose, mice may nest in it 

 and girdle the. trees or bushes. Even perfectly hardy plants 

 are benefited by a winter Mulch, because it improves the 

 soil. Autumn leaves, as they drift into shrubberies, make 

 an ideal Mulch ; it is not always necessary to remove these 

 leaves. See Lawn. 



Mushroom. There is no science of Mush- 

 room growing. Certain conditions have been found to give 

 success, but it is not known why. These conditions may be 

 imitated ever so closely and complete failure result. There 

 are many "systems" advised, each system the result of 

 somebody's success; but one cannot be sure of success by 

 following any one of them. Good results are frequently at- 

 tained when all rules are broken. The following paragraphs 

 are from "Farmers' Bulletin," No. 53 (by William Fal- 

 coner), of the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (March, 1897) : 



Mushrooms are a winter crop, coming in from Septem- 

 ber till April or May that is, tho work of preparing the 





