HOCKIXGS' GARDEN MANUAL. 



199 



cultivator to economise labor. Watch the tobacco 

 closely, removing caterpillars, and stopping the plants 

 as required to direct the sap into the leaves intended 

 for the crop, that they may attain the utmost luxu- 

 riance. In making oaten hay, cut the crop when well 

 in ear, but before the seed is near mature • the whole 

 plant is then in its most nourishing state, and the seed 

 will not shed. 



DECEMBER. 



Kitchen Garden. — French beans, cucumbers, vege- 

 table marrow, &c, should be gathered immediately they 

 are fit for use, whether they are required or not j for, 

 if left on, the plants will soon cease to bear. Sow 

 cabbage and cauliflower seed ; great difficulty will be 

 experienced in getting it to grow at this season, and the 

 plants will consequently be more valuable in propor- 

 tion. Sow also French beans, mustard, and cress, 

 lettuce, endive, okra, radish, &c. All vacant ground 

 should be well manured and dug two spits deep ; none 

 should be allowed to remain idle, or occupied with 

 stumps, weeds, and rubbish, to harbor insects, vermin, 

 and disease. Manure and dig as the crops come off, 

 and the land will be ready for use after the first shower. 



Orchard. — Attend to last month's instructions. 

 Place straw under the trees, upon which the fruit may 

 fall without bruising. Tie up the shoots of the vine 

 as they extend, not injuring the leaves. The China 

 peaches, as soon as the crop is off, may have their new 

 wood shortened back a third of its length, cutting to an 

 outside bud. The centre of such trees should also be 

 looked to, that they be preserved of the shape of a 

 cup. This pruning greatly improves the next season's 

 fruit. Trench land intended to be planted next sea- 

 son ; one crop taken from it, clean, will greatly improve 

 the texture of the soil, and prepare it for receiving the 

 young fruit trees. 



