THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



of mice, which much enjoy a banquet of melon, 

 squash, or pumpkin seeds and do not disdain less 

 succulent morsels. 



The long winter evenings and any stormy days 

 which find one at leisure may profitably be spent 

 in getting ready for spring work, by putting all 

 the tools in first-class order, painting them when 

 necessary, oiling and sharpening them to a work- 

 ing edge. Racks for tomatoes may be manufac- 

 tured quickly and cheaply by using three or four 

 stakes with pointed ends and a couple of iron or 

 wooden barrel hoops. These are nailed to the top 

 of the stakes and to a point nine or ten inches be- 

 low and are set over the plants as soon as they 

 begin to make growth. Boxes for covering the 

 melon hills may also be prepared and the frame 

 for the hotbeds, if one is not already supplied with 

 that convenience. Stakes for marking rows of vege- 

 tables will be little work to prepare and will save 

 time in the hurry of planting. 



Many of the racks and trellises used about the 

 garden during the summer will serve for another 

 season if taken up and stored in a dry place over 

 winter; especially will this be the case if any metal 



or wire parts are concerned. Fences and walks 



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