WINTER rilEPABATIONS. To 



this. It is not a subject which will bear much malice 

 or personal rebuke. It must be discussed in a mild and 

 thouo-htful manner. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

 WINTER PREPARATIONS. 



The orchard should not be neglected as soon as the 

 fruit is harvested. During winter, trees are exposed to 

 wind, ice, water, rabbits and mice. Weak or cracked 

 brandies are apt to be broken down by wind and ice. 

 All crotches which show a disposition to split should be 

 tied or bolted together. "Weak and injured limbs should 

 be tied up or cut off. Small and weak trees should be 

 staked. 



During thaws, water will settle in the hollows. See to 

 it that there are no such hollows about the trees. Level 

 culture is the best safeguard against winter and spring 

 injury from water. Where hollows occur, either fill 

 them up, or provide a way for the water to escape. 



If the orchard and surrounding fields are kept clear of 

 brush heaps and other rubbish, rabbits will not make 

 much trouble. Slovenly fence rows afford good winter- 

 ing places for rabbits. Unless the snow drifts into the 

 branches, these pests will not injure large trees. A good 

 dog is a good remedy for rabbits, but I should prefer to 

 employ other means of getting rid of them, and dispense 

 with the dog altogether. I have melted sulphur and 

 poured it over small pieces of cloth, which were fastened 



