Winter Mulching 21 



removal of this fertilizer in the spring, aa 

 it must be taken away for neatness 5 sake. 

 While this manure has the greater part of 

 its strength leached out, it is well worth 

 saving for the humus still in it, and it 

 may be dug in in the vegetable garden, or 

 placed in a large flat pile about two feet 

 high while still loosely spread. Melons, 

 squash, pumpkins or similar sprawling 

 vines may be grown in it. For each plant 

 dump about one-half a wheelbarrow of 

 good soil on the top, level and sow in it, 

 or set out plants, if the seedlings are 

 started elsewhere. The roots of these 

 plants like the loose run the open manure 

 allows. In extreme dry weather the grow- 

 ing squash or pumpkins should be well wa- 

 tered. In the fall this manure has become 

 fine in texture and makes a splendid win- 

 ter's mulch for snowdrops, crocus, etc. 



Do not be in a hurry about removing the 

 winter's covering when the first warm days 

 of spring appear. More damage is done 

 in early spring than in settled cold weather. 



