31 o THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



varies in different seasons with Baldwins, etc., from 

 the loth to 2oth of October in Eastern United States. 

 The longer they can be left on the trees without waste 

 by dropping or injury by frost, the larger and better 

 colored they will be. Late picking lessens the labor of 

 picking and sorting, as most of the wormy fruit has 

 fallen. Late varieties of pears like Anjou, Winter Nelis, 

 Hovey, etc., should also be left on the trees as long as 

 possible, but severe freezing will injure them. If there 

 is a mulch of hay or straw about the trunks of young 

 trees, see that it is drawn away, and fresh soil or coal 

 ashes packed about them. Where there are a large 

 number of trees painting with fresh limewash, and Paris 

 green, will be the cheapest and best protection from 

 mice and rabbits. Apple, pear and plum trees are bet- 

 ter planted in the fall, if it can be done this month and 

 the soil is not too wet and soggy. 



Small Fruits. Any weeds starting among the straw- 

 berry plants should be hoed or pulled and carried off 

 the land, as at this time they grow almost as readily on 

 top as in the soil. This applies especially to chickweed, 

 witch grass, etc. 



Raspberry, blackberry, and currant bushes can be 

 more successfully planted in the fall than in the spring. 

 By cutting the cane of the former down to about six 

 inches, and placing a large forkful of manure over it, 

 they will be protected and start very vigorously next 

 spring. Cuttings of currants and grapevines will root 

 more certainly if made early than later. Root cuttings 

 of raspberries and blackberries should also be made this 

 month and next. 



Poultry. Fowls should have completed moulting by 

 this time and be ready for laying. An abundance and 

 variety of feed is necessary for the best results, but 

 fattening food should be avoided. 



