FOR PROFIT. 215 



December. — Continue planting. Cut down old and 

 useless trees in fro.<ity weather, and prune over old 

 established trees not attended to previously. In large 

 Plantations it may be necessary to start pruning back 

 young trees. It can be safely done, except in very 

 frosty weather. 



Collect manure for winter spreading, before the 

 diggers enter the plantations. Early manuring is 

 good for bush fruits and young trees, but for Orchards 

 and Plantations of Apples, etc., February is the best 

 time. 



Winter Digging. — When done early the soil derives 

 great benefit from the action of frost and air, but in 

 heavily manured lands weeds are apt to become 

 troublesome, so that many prefer to dig a little later. 



Old Orchard Trees. — During the slack time in 

 November and December, it pays to scrape the loose 

 bark off old tree stems and branches before the usual 

 lime-wash is put on. A cloth should be put under 

 the trees, so that the scrapings can be collected for 

 burning. The lime-wash will kill eggs and larvae of 

 many enemies, and make the bark smooth and healthy. 

 Some soft-soap and soot may be stirred into the 

 lime-wash, and it should be applied not only to the 

 stems, but upon the principal limbs. A Good Recipe 

 is, first slake fresh lime to a paste, and to every 

 gallon of this add one pint of paraflin, ^Ib. of salt, 

 and lib. of soft-soap. The soap should be first 

 dissolved in hot water and then added to the bulk, 

 stirring all well together. Apply with a tar-brush 

 on a long handle, or a white-wash brush. The salt 

 and paraffin make the wash enter all interstices, and 

 are distasteful to insects. If desired, some soot may 

 be added, say a quart to 4 gallons of water. 



