THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 139 
down. To hold the wires close to the earth, stakes are thrust 
over them in a slanting position, as shown at nn. The snow 
that drifts through the plants ordinarily affords sufficient pro- 
tection for plants which are as hardy as grapes and berries. In 
fact, the species may be uninjured even without cover, since, in 
their prostrate position, they escape the cold and drying winds. 
In severe climates, or in the case of tender plants, the tops 
should be covered with straw, boughs, or litter, as recommended 
for regular mulch-covers. Sometimes a V-shaped trough made 
from two boards is placed over the stems of long or vine-like 
plants that have been laid down. All plants with slender or 
more or less pliant stems can be laid down with ease. With 
such protection, figs can be grown in the northern states. Peach 
and other fruit trees may be so trained as to be tipped over and 
covered. 
Laid-down plants are often injured if the covering remains 
too late in the spring. The ground warms up early, and may 
start the buds on parts of the buried plants, and these tender 
buds may be broken when the plants are raised, or injured by 
sun, wind, or frost. The plants should be raised while the wood 
and buds are still hard and dormant. 
Pruning. 
Pruning is necessary to keep plants in shape, to make them 
more floriferous and fruitful, and to hold them within bounds. 
Even annual plants often may be pruned to advantage. 
This is true of tomatoes, from which the superfluous or crowd- 
ing shoots may be removed, especially if the land is so rich that 
they grow very luxuriantly; sometimes they are trained to a 
single stem and most of the side shoots are taken away as they 
appear. If plants of marigold, gaillardia, or other strong and 
spreading growers are held by stakes or wire-holders (a good 
practice), it may be advisable to remove the weak and sprawl- 
ing shoots. Balsams give better results when side shoots are 
