MONTHLY CALENDAR. 



Under this head some of the principal operations of the year 

 in the more northern states are referred to, but these can he re- 

 garded only as suggestive, since individual conditions as well as 

 the weather vary from year to year. The point should be borne 

 in mind that it is of the utmost importance, and for the greatest 

 profit, to have all garden work done at the proper time; and to 

 do this considerable planning and studying will be necessary in 

 laying out each day's work, as well as the work of the season, so 

 as to make the most of the opportunities offered by weather and 

 season. 



January. — The outdoor work is generally quite at a stand- 

 still this month, except that manure may be drawn from the 

 stable to the fields needing it, where it may be piled and forked 

 over. Plan out the work of the season, aiming to have the 

 ground and the time of your help occupied all the time. In do- 

 ing this it is generally best to plan to raise those crops that will 

 not require a large amount of work at the same season, but 

 rather those that will give a succession of work. Market any 

 celery, squash or other vegetables for which there is a demand. 



Send for seed catalogues of leading dealers. Decide what 

 you are going to want. Test the quality of the seeds you have 

 on hand and get your new stock of seed early. Test the seeds 

 received for planting. 



February. — The work of this month differs but little from 

 that of January, but, in addition, the following may be men- 

 tioned: During the latter part of the month prepare manure 

 for early hotbeds to be started the first of March. Inspect tools, 

 wagons, harness, boxes and crates for marketing and hotbed 

 sash, and get them into shape for the busy season. In the green- 

 house, cabbage and cauliflower plants may be started; and as 



