18 



OF PRUNING. 



[Jan. 



should cover them, the plants will keep in a fine state un- 

 der it ; so never remove snow from covering cold frames, 

 even suppose it should lie for weeks — nature will operate 

 here herself. But when framing cannot he obtained, they 

 will, in this latitude, keep tolerably, if gently covered with 

 leaves or litter, using means to secure them from being blown 

 over the garden. 



OF PRUNING. 



It is not advisable to carry on a general system of prun- 

 ing in this month, in whatever state the weather may be. 

 The severest frosts, generally, are yet to come, and too fre- 

 quently what is done now in this operation has to be repeated 

 in the spring, causing, at that time, work to a disadvantage ; 

 because, if pruning, when done just now, is accomplished 

 judiciously, whatever more is requisite to be done in the 

 spring on the same bush will be injudicious. Hence, it is 

 far preferable to delay it till the frost is nearly over, when 

 all can be done to advantage. There are, undoubtedly, hardy 

 trees and some shrubs, that may be pruned and thinned out 

 at any time from the first of November to the first of March ; 

 such as Crataegus, Sorbus, Spirea, and even Althea, in the 

 Middle States ; (the Double white Althea is very tender, 

 and requires to be covered.) The tying together the loose 

 branches of Juniper, Cedar, and Arbor vitse should be 

 particularly attended to, as heavy snow frequently destroys 

 the shape of those handsome 'shrubs by breaking down the 

 branches, &c. — When the snow is heavy, the precaution of 

 shaking it off should be resorted to. In many seasons, the 

 beginning of this month is open, and admits of the opera- 

 tion of digging in open quarters, which if not done, as ad- 

 vised last month, ought not to be delayed. The fruits of it 

 will appear in the mellowed state of your soil in spring. 



If there is any spare time, tallies, straight sticks, or stakes, 

 may be prepared for summer use. Tie them up in neat 

 bundles, which will be of great service during the hurried 

 period of the year. An opportunity of this kind should 

 always be laid hold of ; the beneficial results will, in season, 

 be displayed. 



