314 THE SMALL COUNTRY PLACE 



comes on a little more is added, and so on until enough 

 is on to prevent further freezing of the soil about the 

 plants, when a few boards are put on to shed rain. 

 When wanted, open one end of the row, take out what 

 is needed for a week or so, and cover again. When skil- 

 fully done this method is very satisfactory, is easier 

 than digging and storing in cellar or pit, and the celery 

 is rather more crisp. Parsnips and salsify are improved 

 by freezing, the starch in these roots being changed 

 into sugar by the action of frost, and are often left out 

 all winter. Such as are wanted for winter's use must be 

 dug before the ground freezes, and to prevent wilting, 

 which injuries them very much, they should be packed 

 in sand or slightly moistened leaves. 



The Orchard. Little work will need be done in the 

 orchard this month, though the planting of young trees 

 may still be done during the early part of it. Pruning, 

 too, may be done if one has the leisure, but all cuts made 

 now must be more thoroughly covered with paint than 

 if done the latter part of winter. Young trees not pro- 

 tected from mice should be painted with fresh limewash 

 and Paris green. Don't use wash that has stood more 

 than a few hours. 



Small Fruits. Planting of the bush fruits may still 

 continue up to the middle of this month. The canes 

 of tender varieties of raspberries should be laid down 

 and the tips covered with enough soil to hold them 

 close to the ground. Bend toward the south, so that 

 the sun's rays will strike the canes at the ends and not 

 broadside. Tender varieties of grapes like Roger's 

 Hybrids, lona, Niagara, Salem, Brighton, etc., will be 

 benefited by laying on the ground and covering with a 

 little soil. Cuttings may still be made and they may be 

 planted or put into moist soil in a cold cellar until 

 spring. The strawberry bed must be covered before 



