526 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



Orchard and vineyard planting. — This is the time to prepare land. 

 That on which a late crop of cowpeas has grown is well suited for the 

 purpose, and should be plowed deeply and well worked over. Towards 

 the last of the month it should be cultivated again, in order to be ready 

 for the trees next month. 



DECEMBER 



Lawns and yards need watching this month, and attention should 

 be paid to the old leaves and fall rubbish, which makes the yard look 

 untidy. A good place for the leaves is the compost heap. Hedges 

 should be put in shape and the surface drains kept open. Shrubs 

 and roses should be pruned for an early supply of flowers. The Ca- 

 mellia Japonicas are now in bloom, and care should be taken that the 

 small branches are not torn off, instead of being cut properly. Many 

 of these most beautiful of southern ornamental trees have been ruined 

 by careless plucking of flowers. 



Garden and orchard. — Many of the fall vegetables may be sown this 

 month and others sown for a succession. Peas, spinach, roquette, 

 radishes, lettuce, endive, and some Early York cabbage should also be 

 sown. In the old spent hotbeds, tomatoes, peppers, and egg-plants 

 may be started; there will not be enough heat to hurry them, and 

 good, strong stocky plants will be secured if care is taken. Irish 

 potatoes may be risked, should there be a favorable time for planting 

 during the latter part of the month. Usually they are planted in 

 January. The chances are about equal should they be planted late 

 this month. Nuts of all kinds, both for budding and otherwise, 

 should be planted. Some of the best Louisiana pecans are said to 

 come true from seed, and may be sown where they are intended to 

 grow. 



