288 THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



Small Fruits. New plantations of all small fruits, if 

 not made last fall, should be done as early as possible, 

 cutting the tops of raspberry and blackberry canes 

 back to only a few inches above the surface of the 

 ground after planting. Apply an abundance of manure 

 or fertilizer about each plant before growth begins. 

 Spray these and currant bushes with the Bordeaux mix- 

 ture before the leaves unfold. The earlier strawberry 

 plants are set in the spring, the better. Use only plants 

 with white roots. Those with black roots are old plants. 



Poultry. Chickens should have constant attention. 

 Regular feed in considerable variety will be needed for 

 the best growth. If given the run of a pasture, a brush 

 lot, asparagus field, or raspberry or blackberry planta- 

 tion, they will develop rapidly. If they are kept in small 

 pens or coops these should be moved frequently to keep 

 up the supply of green food. If hens are kept in close 

 pens, they should be let out a short time each day just 

 before going to roost. All fowls more than one year old 

 should be dressed for home use or market as they cease 

 laying. 



Bees. This is a busy time with the bees. As warmer 

 weather comes on they can gather pollen and a little 

 honey, and if they still have some stores on hand they 

 should be breeding rapidly. See that they are well 

 supplied with honey for their increasing family. 



MAY. 



The Land. Fit the land thoroughly for all kinds of 

 crops. Harrowing, rolling or dragging an acre one or 

 two times extra when one is at the job will add but 

 little to the cost, while it may save much after labor 

 and give a much larger crop. Stirring the soil, espe- 

 cially on bright, sunny days, helps to warm it up 

 wonderfully. 



