A Few Rules and Maxims. 275 



2. Plow in the fall all heavy, loamy land that you intend to plant in 

 spring. This exposes it to the action of frost, and, if done late, tends to 

 destroy insects and their larvae. Do not plow sand in the fall unless there 

 is upon it sod, stubble, etc., that is to decay. 



3. Top-dress very light land with an inch or two of clay or heavy loam 

 in November, and let the winter frosts and rains blend the two diverse soils 

 to their mutual advantage. Harrowing in fertilizers on light ground is 

 better than plowing them in. 



4. In the fall, top-dress all the small fruits with compost, bone dust or 

 other fertilizers that have staying powers, spreading it along close to the 

 rows and over the roots, and working it into the soil lightly by cultivation. 

 This gives everything a vigorous start in the spring. 



5. If possible, take out before winter all perennial weeds sorrel, white 

 clover, etc., but do not greatly disturb the roots of strawberries just on the 

 approach of winter. 



6. In most localities and soils, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and 

 blackberries do better if planted any time after they drop their foliage in 

 the fall. Such planting can be continued even into the winter, on mild, 

 still days, when frost is neither in the air nor soil. Frozen earth should 

 never come in contact with roots. I plant strawberries, also, all 

 through the autumn, even into December ; and before the ground freezes, 

 hoe upon them one or two inches of soil, raking it off as soon as freezing 

 weather is over in the spring. 



7. The earlier plants are set out in spring, the better, if the ground and 

 weather are suitable. It is usually best to wait till the danger of severe 

 frost is over. Do not plant when the ground is wet and sticky, or dry 

 and lumpy, at any season, if it can be helped. Do not plant in a high, 

 hot or cold wind. Make the most of mild, still and cloudy days. If plants 

 can be set before a storm or shower, much is gained ; but this is not essential 

 if roots are imbedded their whole length in moist (not wet) earth, and the 

 soil made very firm around them. Plantings may be made in very dry 

 weather if the land is forked or plowed late in the afternoon, and the plants 

 set immediately in the fresh, moist earth. Keep the roots from contact 

 with unfermented manure. 



8. In handling plants at any time, never let the little rootlets dry 

 and shrivel. Keep them from sun, frost and wind. If the roots of plants 

 received in boxes are frozen, let them thaw out in a cellar undisturbed. 

 If /oots are black, shriveled, or musty from long transportation, wash 

 them in clean water, and, in the case of strawberries, shorten them one- 

 third, and then plant at once in moist soil. 



