

Covering Grapes. — There is a difference of opinion as to the expediency 

 of covering the so-called hardy grapes in winter. Many prefer to lay them 

 down on the ground, and cover with soil, as they do their raspberries or black- 

 berries ; while others stoutly contend that it is not only no advantage, but a posi- 

 tive harm, to the vines. This depends somewhat upon the winter : if it should 

 prove a favorable one, it would have been better to let them stand up ; but if 

 a severe one, when there would be danger of killing the vines, of course the 

 safest way would be to cover. We have practised both ways, sometimes cover- 

 ing all, again a part, and, once in a few years, covering very few ; and we incline 

 to the opinion, from our experience, that the safest way, where the winters are 

 severe, is to cover. It is not necessary that it should be done with soil ; but ever- 

 green boughs, old rubbish from the barn, hay, straw, any thing that will protect 

 them from the alternations of heat and cold, will answer the purpose. If they 

 are buried in soil, the work should not be done immediately after they have been 

 trimmed ; but they should remain exposed some days, that the cuts made in prun- 

 ing may dry, to prevent their bleeding when lifted the next spring. 



CiiiCKWEED. — This weed is found in great abundance in land that has long 

 been under the plough, and especially in orchards. It grows very quickly, and 

 soon covers the ground. It is a great nuisance, especially in strawberry-beds. 

 The best way, when it has got possession, is to sow the land down to grass for 

 a year or two. If in an orchard, this recommendation may not apply ; for it is 

 not a good plan to put it in grass. A good way is to plough late in autumn, and 

 cover it up ; then some advantage will be derived from it, as it will decay, and 

 enrich the soil. 



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