CALENDAHIAL INDEX. 



The object of this Calendar is little more than to give brief intimations of 

 work to be performed in a garden, together with some approximation to the 

 time of year in which it should be accomplished. The figures refer to the pages 

 in which further directions may be found relative to the operations adverted 

 to. These directions are intended for the New England States, or about the 

 latitude 42° N. and the vicinity, or a small elevation above the sea. 



Allowance should be made for elevation of site, as well as for situation north 

 or south of that degree. But it is not possible^ perhaps, to state what that al- 

 lowance should be with any approach to precision. The nature of the soil, the 

 aspect, the exposure, the forwardness or backwardness, or what ma-y be styled 

 the general character of the season, are all to be regarded ; and require the ex 

 €rcise of a sound discretion in the cultivator, not to be restricted by general 

 ruleS; which are not liable to too many exceptions to be noted in this work. 



JANUAHY. 



Throughout New England the temperature of the climate is such as to ex- 

 clude the cultivator from performing most of the operations of tillage or horti- 

 rulture from about the first of December to the latter part of March, or the be- 

 ginning of April. The seeds of knowledge may, however, be sown in winter, 

 and the horticulturist may cultivate his mind when his soil is bound in frozen 

 fetters. 



Provide a sufficient quantity of bean-poles, and pea-rods, which you may pre- 

 serve in a corner of your wood-house, or other place suitable for your purpose. 

 Many people, who neglect to procure these implements in season, are induced, 

 by the hurry of business, to permit their peas and beans to trail on the ground, 

 in which situation they will not produce, especially the tall growing sorts, one 

 third part so many as if they were properly supported by poles and rods. Tte 

 length of your pea-rods should be in proportion to the sorts of peas for which 

 you intend them, 229. The same kinds of rods, which the tall-growing peas re - 

 quire, will answer for the generality of running kidney beans. The Lima beans 

 will need strong poles, from eight to nine feet nigh. You may now make prep- 

 aration for forcing cucumbers and melons, 84, 202. 



FEBRUARY. 



Manure may be cairied into those places where it is needed, left in a heap, 

 I but not spread. Wherever and whenever the snow is off the ground, rake to- 



f ether and bum the haulm, or whatever may remain from the last year's crop, 

 'ences should be inspected and repaired, and seed rubbed cut and cleaned, 

 i Straw mats for the hot-beds, pales, rails, lattices, or trellises for espalier trees, should 

 be got in readiness, 107. See that your garden tools are in good repair, and 

 procure such new ones as may be necessary. It is now^ time to set about pro- 

 i curing and preparing materials for, and forming hot-beds, 161. Clean trees 

 from moss, and project them against mice and rabbits by whitewashing witli 

 I lime, or smearing- with some composition which is offensive to those vermin. 

 : Enter in earnest into the business of forwarding various kinds of seedling plants, 

 I by artificial means, so that they may ha.ve strong roots, and arrive at some siz6 

 I 23 



