Dec] 



THE CULINARY GARDEN. 



259 



although more formidable, are not so generally found to de- 

 stroy seed in the ground. The best modes of destroying mice, 

 are certainly to have a few cats domiciliated in the back 

 shades ; they will keep a garden clear of these invaders. The 

 next is, a slate or a brick supported by a combination of three 

 slips of wood, forming the figure 4, and baited with a pea or 

 bean, a piece of bacon or cheese ; or, a brick may be used, by 

 placing two pieces of wood in the ground, about five inches 

 apart, each slit at the top, through which slits a stout thread is 

 drawn, and a bean or pea fixed to the middle of the thread ; 

 the brick is placed, resting one end on the ground, and the 

 other on the thread : the mouse, in attempting to take away 

 the bean, cuts the thread, and the brick falls down upon it 

 This is, of all traps, the simplest, and soonest set. Several 

 hunch'ed of these traps should be set in different parts of the 

 garden, particularly where mice are found to resort to. By 

 looking over them once or twice a-week, and re-setting any 

 that may have fallen, the garden will be kept pretty clear of 

 these vermin. Rats are generally destroyed by poi on, and 

 most gentlemen have a person employed by the year to destroy 

 them. But, in all large places, one of the stationary labour- 

 ers should be instructed in destroying vermin of all sorts, and 

 be paid either by the year, or so much per head for moles, 

 rats, mice, and all birds or beasts, that desti'oy the fi'uits of 

 the earth. This would be found the most economical and 

 satisfactory way of getting rid of such enemies. 



MUSHROOMS. 



Be very careful now of mushroom-beds, to shelter them 

 from the wet and sharp frosts. Lay a covering of clean straw, 

 a foot or a foot and a half in thickness, over every bed ; this 

 will generally produce the desired efiect. Dutch reed-mats 

 are the best covering for mushroom-beds, and, if taken care 

 of, will last for many years : these should be placed over the 

 straw, and will be found completely to throw off the wet. 



After heavy rains or snow, examine the beds ; and if the 

 covering next the beds be wet, remove it, and place in its 

 stead the same quantity of fresh straw. 



