THE HANDLING OF THE PLANTS 



139 



down. To hold the wires close to the earth, stakes are thrust 

 over them in a slanting position, as shown at n n. The snow 

 that drifts through the plants ordinarily affords sufficient pro- 

 tection for plants which are as hardy as grapes and berries. In 

 fact, the species may be uninjured even without cover, since, in 

 their prostrate position, they escape the cold and drying winds. 



In severe climates, or in the case of tender plants, the tops 

 should be covered with straw, boughs, or litter, as recommended 

 for regular mulch-covers. Sometimes a V-shaped trough made 

 from two boards is placed over the stems of long or vine-like 

 plants that have been laid down. All plants with slender or 

 more or less pliant stems can be laid down with ease. With 

 such protection, figs can be grown in the northern states. Peach 

 and other fruit trees may be so trained as to be tipped over and 

 covered. 



Laid-down plants are often injured if the covering remains 

 too late in the spring. The ground warms up early, and may 

 start the buds on parts of the buried plants, and these tender 

 buds may be broken when the plants are raised, or injured by 

 sun, wind, or frost. The plants should be raised while the wood 

 and buds are still hard and dormant. 



Pruning. 



Pruning is necessary to keep plants in shape, to make them 

 more floriferous and fruitful, and to hold them within bounds. 



Even annual plants often may be pruned to advantage. 

 This is true of tomatoes, from which the superfluous or crowd- 

 ing shoots may be removed, especially if the land is so rich that 

 they grow very luxuriantly; sometimes they are trained to a 

 single stem and most of the side shoots are taken away as they 

 appear. If plants of marigold, gaillardia, or other strong and 

 spreading growers are held by stakes or wire-holders (a good 

 practice), it may be advisable to remove the weak and sprawl- 

 ing shoots. ^ Balsams give better results when side shoots are 



