A YEAR'S CYCLE IN THE GARDEN 211 



devour them in early spring. In placing your mulch 

 always keep it away from the crown of the plant 

 as it causes decay if it gets in there. After the 

 mulch has been applied, cover the bed lightly with 

 an inch or two of salt hay or straw. If this is put 

 on too heavily it will pound down the plants and 



Showing the cUflerence in the methods of handling heavy and light soil. 

 Bldgeup the former In the fall with a fork— the frost action all win- 

 ter will Ihelp to pulverize It. Dig light, sandy soil In the spring with 

 a spade. It Is Inherently loose and tillable 



make them suffer for lack of air. Lay a few light 

 twigs on top to keep the straw from blowing around. 

 Bean poles are too heavy; use pea-brush. 



Mulch the bush fruits at the same time, using 

 good manure and putting on about four inches 

 of it. 



Both these mulches can be removed in March, 

 and the beds dug up thoroughly. Work manure 



