MuLCIIIAG. 73 



a little more, and it can also be made a little stronger 

 now by the addition of a gallon of bone meal to a cubic 

 yard of mulch. If the weather is bright and clear and 

 the plants in perfect health, an inch and a half may be 

 applied, but if from any cause, known or unknown, the 

 plants seem sickly, they are in no better condition to 

 absorb strong food than are either men or animals un- 

 der the same conditions, and it should be withheld 

 ■until such time as root action is better. 



Asa rule, it is not well to mulch heavily in Novem- 

 ber or December, but on bright days during these 

 months, if you are satisfied more nourishment is needed 

 and that the plants are in a condition to receive it, a very 

 small amount of fresher manure may be scattered very 

 lightly here and there between the rows, allowing the 

 same to be washed in from time to time as the plants 

 are either watered or syringed. This is quicker than to 

 apply food in liquid form, where but little can be used. 

 I am no advocate of the use of green manure in quan- 

 tity for this purpose at this season of the year. Besides 

 being offensive, it is dangerous in the hands of any but 

 experts, but during the months mentioned, when a 

 heavy mulch cannot be safely applied, used very spar- 

 ingly, it often helps sustain the plants until the dull 

 cold months are passed. 



Another and heavier coat than the second one may 

 usually be added by February, and this will be the last 

 to be applied to such benches as are to be used for the 



