36 
A KITCHEN GARDEN 
only be borne on one side, but involves much need¬ 
less labor in keeping the plants trimmed and worked, 
and unless hoed frequently the plot becomes a harbor 
for weeds. The only advantage in so planting is the 
protection the fence affords in winter, as it catches the 
flying leaves and weeds in the fall, and these with 
the shade afforded by the fence and drifted snow make 
a natural protection for the roots and canes. It is 
not the severity of the frost which determines the 
hardiness of a plant, so much as its ability to with¬ 
stand freezing and thawing in rapid succession. For 
this reason I would have the small fruits planted at 
the north side of the garden, especially if it be the 
highest part, and if there is some kind of w T ind-break 
or protection, as this will cause the snow to drift and 
lie longer, making a natural covering, while the slope 
will drain the surface water quickly away, so that it 
does not form hard ice around the crowns. 
If it were possible, I would prefer to have no fence 
around the garden, as it makes it much easier to keep 
clean. A fence is always a nuisance and waste of 
ground unless absolutely necessary; but if a fence is 
needed, have one that will not only keep out stock, 
but also the gardener’s most aggravating enemy, the 
poultry. A scratching hen seems to have an instinct 
which tells her as soon as the seed has been planted, 
and which are the hills containing the choicest va¬ 
rieties. 
In plowing the ground in the early spring, I think 
it is best not to plow more than is needed for the first 
planting, and to plow the remainder somewhat later, 
when it has become more dry and friable, as it will 
