CALENDAR FOR NORTHERN STATES 245 



Manure should be placed about the bush fruits, and per- 

 haps about the lawn shrubs. Rhododendrons and laurels re- 

 quire some protection over the ground ; either a coarse mulch 

 or manure. In the coldest regions light straw is thrown 

 among these broad-leaved evergreens and left until spring. 



Stratify peach and plum pits now. They will be suitable 

 for use in starting the seedlings for next year's budding. 

 Look carefully over the taps of all trees when the leaves 



Fig 129 — The winter mulch of straw protects the strawberry plants from 

 heaving out by frost, and in the summer protects the fruit from the aoil, keeps down 

 weeds, and saves moisture in the soil (New Jersey Station ) 



are ofE for bag worms, tent caterpillar nests, egg masses and 

 other signs of insect enemies. These may be pruned out or 

 picked off and destroyed. 



Transplant some little evergreens, such as pines, spruces, 

 and cedars to pots, cans or window boxes. They will add 

 much cheerfulness to the winter collection of house plants. 



Top dress all the grassy- lawns with half -rotted manure to 

 make a complete cover. This is to remain until early spring. 



