526 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
Orchard and vineyard planting. —This is the time to prepare land. 
That on which a late crop of cowpeas has grown is well suited for the 
purpose, and should be plowed deeply and well worked over. Towards 
the last of the month it should be cultivated again, in order to be ready 
for the trees next month. 
DECEMBER 
Lawns and yards need watching this month, and attention should 
be paid to the old leaves and fall rubbish, which makes the yard look 
untidy. A good place for the leaves is the compost heap. Hedges 
should be put in shape and the surface drains kept open. Shrubs 
and roses should be pruned for an early supply of flowers. The Ca- 
mellia Japonicas are now in bloom, and care should be taken that the 
small branches are not torn off, instead of being cut properly. Many 
of these most beautiful of southern ornamental trees have been ruined 
by careless plucking of flowers. 
Garden and orchard. — Many of the fall vegetables may be sown this 
month and others sown for a succession. Peas, spinach, roquette, 
radishes, lettuce, endive, and some Early York cabbage should also be 
sown. In the old spent hotbeds, tomatoes, peppers, and egg-plants 
may be started; there will not be enough heat to hurry them, and 
good, strong stocky plants will be secured if care is taken. Irish 
potatoes may be risked, should there be a favorable time for planting 
during the latter part of the month. Usually they are planted in 
January. The chances are about equal should they be planted late 
this month. Nuts of all kinds, both for budding and otherwise, 
should be planted. Some of the best Louisiana pecans are said to 
come true from seed, and may be sown where they are intended to 
grow. 
