18 OF pruning. [Jan. 
should cover them, the plants will keep in a fine state under 
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 be 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 pruning 
in this month, in whatever state the weather may be. The 
severest frosts, generally, are yet to come, and too frequently 
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 vita? 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 operation 
of digging in open quarters, which if not done, as advised 
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. 
