c:, 30, (, / ;2... LI3 12 b BULLETIN NO. 18 EXPERIMENT STATION, 1910 TUSKEGEE NORMAL AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE TUSKEGEE INSTITUTE, ALABAMA Nature Study and Gardening for Rural Schools Boys and Girls Eager to Learn By GEO. W. CARVER J (REVISED TEACHER'S LEAFLET No.2) EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN TUSKEfiEE NORMU AND INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTE, TUSKEfiEE INSTnUTE, ALA. NUMBER 18 JUNE,1910 _ Nature Study and Gardening for Rural Schools By GEO. W. CARVER, M. S. Agr. Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama The 'l"uskegee Experiment Station Board of Regents Mr. Charles Coleman 'I'hatch , President Auburn, Ala- Hon. J. A. Wilkinson........................ .. M. ut gomery, Ala. Mr. W; W. CampbelL......... . ~ 'I'uskegee, Ala. Mr. Charles W. Hare _ 'I'uskege e, Ala. Mr. A. J. Wilborn 'I'uskegee, Ala. Mr. Book er T'. Washington Tuskegee Institute, Ala. Mr. Warren Logan.......... 'I'uskegee Institute, Ala. Station Staff G. W. Carver, M. S. Agr Director O. W. Ferguson ... "..Assi starrt to the Director of Exper lment Station George R. Bridgeforth Director of Agricultural Industri es R. A. Clark Assistant to Director of Agricultural Industrie_s r.I.\ N. Cowen 0 •••••••••••• Farm Superintendent John D. Wray First Assistant to Farm Superintendent * Edward Mahone: Second Assistant to Farm Superintendent * H. H. Wheeler Dairy Herd R. S. Pompey Assistan-t to the Dairy Herdsman C. W. Greene 'I'ruck Garden * H. P. Warmack.......... . Keef Herd A. A. Turner " , , , Da lrying Almancy L. Evans , Poultry Raising R. R. Robinson ,; In t harge of Swine Herd Martin Van Darthard, Care and Management of Horses and Mules M. F. Ballentine Assistant Ca e and Management of Horses .... "., .. " , , and Mules 1.\ M. Campbell Demonstrative and Farmers' Institute Work R. L. Waggener , , ,, , . , .. , .. , Farnl Mechanic * E.L. Falkner ', , - Fruit Growing L. J. Watkins , Road Building and Construction Work Geo. B. 1.'hornton., " , , Stenographer * John E. Shaw , .....................•.......... :, .Vet.erlnariun W. A. 'I'ate, United States Demonstration Work and Jesup Wagon * Part term, The .Tuskegee Agricultural Experiment Statjo n Bulletin No. 18 June, 1910 Nature Study and Gardening for Rural Schools G. W. CARVER, M. S., Agr , Director Since the pnblication of Teachers' Leaflet No.2, Nature Study and Children's Gardens, the work has not only grown in a satisfac- tory manner, but has advanced far beyond the most sanguine hopes of its promoters-indeed the 1,500 copies of this leaflet which was published in 1901 have been exhausted 'without satisfying the in- creasing demand. 'I'he above facts in connection with a careful study of the needs of the rural teacher, we have thought wise to revise and amplify it, bringing the same more up to date. 'I'he chief missi on of this little booklet is that of emphasizing the tol lowi ng points: 1. 'I'he awakening of a greater interest in practical nature les- sons in the public schools of our section. . T'h e thoughtful educator realizes that a very Ia'rge part of the child's education must be gotten outside of the four walls desig- nated as class room. He also understands that the most effective and lasting education is the one that makes the pupil handle, dis- cuss and familiarize himself with the real things about him, of which the majority are surprisingly ignorant. 2. '1'0 bring before. our young people in an attractive way- a f'ew of the cardinal principles of agriculture, with wh ich nature study is synonymous. If properly taught the practical Nature study method cannot fail to both entertain and instruct. It is the only true method that leads up to a clear understand- ing of the fundamental principles which surround every branch of business in which' we may engage. It also stilnulates thought, investigation, and encourages originality. 3 4 BULLETIN ·NUMBER EIGHrl'EEN Who has not watched with delight the wee tots w ith their toy set of .ga.rden tools and faces all aglow with. happiness and the yearning expectations of the coming harvest as they dug up the earth and dropped in a few seed or illy set an equal number of plants --with what joy and sa.t.isf'a.otlon they called it their garden, or with what enthusiasm they hailed the first warm.days of spring with their refreshing showers which bespoke ernphatically the opening of the mud pie and doughnut season, and how, even though they were wat.er-' soaked and mud-bespattered Irom top to toe, howvery happy they were at the close of such a day's work , So on through the whole list of childish amusements. Instinctively, they prefer to deal Little Gardeners with natural objects and real things. It is the abnormal child that. wi llIecl just as happy with a piece of mud Iro m Which to make its cooky or 'pie crust as a piece of real dough. Neither is there the same instructive interest in a lifeless, irresponsive bundle of cotton cloth, ribbon and what not in shape of a kitten, puppy, etc., as there would be in the real, live, b.eautiful little anin1al· which responds to every caress and which rnutua.lly seerns to share in their joys and sorrows, successes or failures. 'I'hanks to the k l nd erga.r ten met.hod of education for com lng to our rescue and the polytechnic and industrial schools which are. supplernenting it. BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHr~rEEN 5 When to ~egin The age to begin teaching or interesting the child in the grow- ing of plants for himself has puzzled many , but my observation and personal contact with the work proves that with a well-equip- ped teacher the wee tots, the k indorgur tcncrs are none too smal L. Figure 12 represents a group in a flower garden. Their faces portray the happiness within the heart. I am sure-the value of such instruct- ive interest and.deve lopment could not he questioned. Mud Pie Makers In connection with the above many are the lessons wh ieh rnay be taught in:- Correlation Nature study as it COUlesfrom the child's enthusiastic endeavor to make a success in the garden' furnishes abundance' of subject matter for use in the composition, spelling, read ing, arithmetic, geography, and history classes. A real bug found eating on the child's cabbag-e plant in his own little garden will beta.ken up with a vengeance in the composition class. He would much prefer to spell the real, living radish in the garden than the lifeless radish in the book. Likewise he would prefer to figure on the profit of 6 the onions sold from his garden than those sold by some John Jones of Philadelphia. Partnership It· has been the experience of 111 any teachers that it works well to have two, three or four children form a partnership, under written contract, who will be assigned by the teacher to one of the little plots set apart as an individual garden. 'I'h c contract is ma.de very simple, written scm ewh a.t as f'ollo ws: Contract 'I'us k egee ~ Ala., Sept. 1, 19 .... We agree to 1. Raise vegetables on .on e of the plots set apart to us for a garden. 2. Follow as best we can the direction of our teacher. 3. Share equally in the expense, labor and profits of the garden . •••••••••••••••••••••••••• ,·-c .•~· •••••••••••••••••••••••• (L. S.) ........ , (L. S.) Witnesses ...... ~. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . ;' : .. (L. S.)_ .................................. _ (L. S.) 'I'h e contract will prove valuable only so far as the teacher 7 m ak es the chi'dren u nderst.aud just what a conrae means, its binding effect in the nusiness operations of the garden and the suffering or los«, regar d less of excuses, to the person or persons who fail to come up to the st.ipu la: ions. 'I'h e co, operat ion p la n can also be taught by having one ch ild responsible for a zarden plot, but as concerns w a lk s, borders, etc., equally responsible for the cor respondl ng straightness and cleanli- ness throughout. Clearing the Land How to Begin Gardening In response to many inquiries as to the best way to begin, we beg to say that there are inany-all possessing some merit, but the following has proven most satisfactory w ith us: 1. As an introduction, a flff.een-m iuu te lecture or general dis- cussion on garden work should be given, d efin ing the following kinds. (Stress should be laid upon those of t he greatest importance, and with which the ch i ldrer, are most familiar.) (a) Kitchen Garden (g) Balcony- Garden (b) Market Garden (h) Hanging Garden· (c) Window Garden . (i) Botanical Garden (d) Flower Garden (j) Grass Garden (e) Hot House Garden (k) Children's Gardens :8 HULLETIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN (f) Roof Garden (1) Hanging Gardens (m) Sunken Gardens Selection of the Site and Why 'I'h e out-door garden should be a plot of land near the school building. The gardeu should be used as any other class room. Hence, the closer it can be brought to the other places of recitation the better. Note On the selection of the site for the garden choose as nearly as possible a level, well-drained piece of ground, so th ere may be as Laying off the garden little washing as possible, and one easy to keep in a high state of tilth. . A southern slope is the most favorable for a late fall or early spring garden, as it is slightly protected from frost by the rays of the sun striking it earlier in the morn in • and later in the evening, Laying off the Individual Plots 'I'h e plots or individual gardens should represent an easy frac- tional part of an acre,e. g., one-twentieth, one-f'ort.Ieth , one-fiftieth, etc. A walk two fpet wide should surround the entire plot. 'I'he individual gardens should be separated by paths not exceeding two feet. 'BULLE'l'Iv 1\.TTT"TT>ER EIGH'l'EEN 9 Selection and Care of Tools A hoe, rake and spade are essential. A hand weeder (which- can be easily made by bending a piece of hoop-iron triangular or any other shape desired, fitting a handle to it and sharpening the edge) could be used. A line to insure straight rows and dibber for making holes to set plants will be found inexpensive, con- venient and useful. A set of tools for each child is ideal and desirable, but fewer can be made to answer by arranging the work so that some will be using a hoe while others are raking, spading; laying off their plots, etc. 'I'ools should be carefully cleaned and: dried each time they are used and put in the place set .apart for Outline of Plots them. 'I'his should be an essential part of the exercises in the garden. Preparation of Soil After the land has been cleared of objectionable things, such as stumps, stones, etc., it is ready to be spaded or plowed up deeply and thoroughly. Turn every furrow or spadeful of earth upside down, following this process with a thorough chopping over with a hoe or harrow until all of the large clods are broken. Finish with the rake. If coarse .fertilizers are to be used, such as stable manure, leaves, straw, etc., they should be scattered first, then spaded Of plowed in. 10 BULLETIN NUMBER· EIGHTEEN Selection and Testing of Seeds Some time should be given to the study of garden seeds. 'I'he child should be taught how to select large, plump and well devel- oped seeds and plant them in a dish of fresh sand, moistened with clean water and kept in a warm place as a test for vitality, or germinating powers. A box of moistened earth kept in a warm place may also serve for the same purpose. A number of interest- ing and valuable mathematical exercises can be developed by planting a definite number of seeds and calculating the percentage .of loss or failures. 'I'hat is, if sixteen seeds are planted and eigh t germinate the per cent. is one-half or fifty. If only four sprout the A Good Beginning loss or failure is three-fourths or seventy-five per cen t., etc. Of the ~ first lot of seed one would have to plant twice the normal amount if a stand was expected; of the second three times the normal amount should be planted. An important thing is to note the vitality or the vigor with which they sprout. Many seed will come up (get out of the ground) but an experienced gardener or farmer would know that they would continue to die through all stages, of their development from growth to maturity, and even if some did live through, not a full prop of grain, fruit, etc., would be produced. BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN 11 Planting Many interesting and valuable lessons can be brought out relat- ing to the size of seed, ease of germination and the depth to plant. The last depending largely .upon the character of soils and the weather conditions. It should be keptIn mind that seeds should be planted more shallow in heavy clay loam than sandy; and deeper in dry weather than in wet. "I'his especially applies to seeds that germinate quickly. This is an old rule but a very good general One: Plant all seeds to a depth of three times their greatest diameter. A number of seeds of! Harvesting and Marketing different kinds should be measured by the pupils until the principle is thoroughly und erstood. Cultivation 'I'he following simple reasons for this operation should be enlarged and dwelt upon until it is made clear to every pupil. (a) How cultivation destroys weeds and why destroy theine (b) Lets water into the soil and prevents washing; how, and why this is desirable. (c) Permits the roots to go deep into the earth and to reach 12 BULLE1'IN NUMBER EIGHTEEN "out long distances in every direction. (NOTE-For what are they ,seeking?) (Teacher explain.) (d) Lets air and sunlight into the soil. (N01'E-For what reason?) (T'each er explain.) Harvesting Reaping the result of any well directed effort is more or less in- teresting and many are the good wholesome lessons which can be , taught as to (a) When things are ready. (b) 'I'h e manner and quality of the product. (c) T'he proper weather conditions. (d) Saving the crop under adverse conditions, etc. Marketing While the harvest is full of interest from beg inuing to end, nothing inspires and encourages like the beginning or swelling of a bank account or the prompt payment of any debt which becomes due as a consequence of our business operations. With what enthusiasm the child watches the growth of the credit side of its garden business! The garden account should run somewhat as follows: 1904 Debit Put in Remarks ---------- I ' I Jan.. I 1 IPaid for manure .. 1 $ 20 $ 1 Paid for one hoe .. '1' 40 i 1 [Pa.id for one rake 25 2 iPaid for one spade] 40 I 3 11 hour's labor laY-'1 I it [ing off garden ..... 03 4 11hour's laborspad-i I 03 4 111nGo~~~df~b~~·P~~~1 I Weath:r being: cold paring and plant- 'seeds we r e slow labout sprouting out ing . 03 0f doors 4 Lettuce seed pl'td 01 Sprouted Jan 12tl1 4 Radish seed pl'td 01 [Sprouted Jan. 10th 1 4 Onion sets planted 02 Began to gr-ow Jan. I 16tn 6 Repairing d a m- 'Chickens scratched ages done by up some of the seed sown neighbors' chick- ens . 05 I Joan.17th: Plants are growing well Jan. 21 s t: Col d weather. Plants are !Mar .. 12 looking very weak ~Ool~s4. ~.o.~.. ~~~: .~~ i 1 14 Sold 5 doz. Rad. at 40 Feb. 25th: In two weeks plants will 50 be ready for market 1 10 ets 15 Sold 10 heads Let. . at5cts . 50 $1.70-$1.43$ .27 March 18th. 27cents 18 Sold 3 doz. onions ahead. B e sid e s at 10 cta . 30 tools paid for 1 34 1 70 ,,-----------~ ------'------- HULLE'l'IN NUMBER EIGH'l'EEN 13 These accounts should start with the beginning of the ~arden. Money Value of Different Garden Crops As the child markets his produce he will have the opportunity to compare the money value of his garden crops. For instance, he may find by comparison that the quicker his crop is grown and off the greater will be the amount made on his small area of land. Comparisons may be made with slower maturing crops that are grown in the fields. Ir, this connection some valuable lessons may be taught, as to how, vegetables, grains, fruits, etc. (for which there is no paying Carrying Out the Idea market) can be made to pay by feeding them to chiekens, hogs, cattle, etc., etc., or, in other words, turning them into pork, milk. butter, beef, eggs, etc., for which there is always a market. Climate During the year many important climatic changes can be noted as follows: (a) l'he washing of the soil by heavy rains and how it impacts certain kinds and how it effeets the growth of plants. (b) 'I'b e effect of excessive heat and cold upon plant growth. (c) How some of these eoudlt ions can be greatly modified and overcome by tillage, and other soil manipulations. 14 BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN A few Insects of the Year During the entire year insects can be profitably studied. Some of the most prominent are these: Spring Cutworms, spotted rcuoumber beetles, flea beetles, harlequin' cabbage bug, plant lice, earth worms, potato bugs, caterpillars larvae and a number of eggs of different kinds. Summer Cabbage butter-fly, eggs and worms, bean worms, squash worms and bugs, corn worms, melon bugs and worms, plant lice, scale insects, butterflies and numerous eggs. Autumn In addition to many in the two preceding groups, chrysalis, A Model (;arden pupae, cocoons, eggs, etc., can be found in abundance. How to Classify Insects Practically insects are divided into t\VO great classes: (a) 'I'hose that eat the leaves and other parts of the plant npon which they feed .. (b) Those that simply suck the juices from the plants upon which they feed. The following remedies (which are poisons and must be used with reasonable care as to keeping it away from the children, etc.,) will exterminate or hold in check those insects which are most troublesome in our gardens, such as the potato bug, cabbage worms, the turnip, mustard, rutabaga, kale, rape and beet worms, tomato worms, etc. Also the. terrapin beetles, cotton worms, flea beetles, army worms, blister beetles, ca.terpi llars, grasshoppers, tobacco worms, etc. . Remedies Paris Green, this is the universal remedy for all kinds of .biting or chewing insects. It comes in a fine dusty green powder and may be used in that way or mixed with water. If used as a dry BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN 15 powder, mix with flour, road dust, coal ashes or air-slacked lime. '1'0 every pound of Paris Green add ten pounds of flour or about the same of the other substances, put into a thin bag and dust over the plants while the dew is on. If a spray is desired use a pound of poison to 150 to 200 galtous of water, apply with a spray pump or whisk broom. . All insects that suck must be killed by contact remedies, i, e., remedies when apnli ed to the insect's body shuts up its breathing pores and smothers it to death. 'I'he favorite remedy here is kero- sene emu lsion. It is made thus, bring one gallon of soft water to a boil, dissolve half pound of hard soap or whale oil soap, remove from the fire and add at once 2 gallons of kerosene. Whip or churn vigorously until the whole mass assumes a creamy appearance and will stick to the sides of the dish instead of 'llipping off like oil. 'I'his is the stock or standard solution, and must be diluted from 12 to 15 times with soft water. Kefore using, dilute according to the ease with wbicb the foliage burns, at all times use it just as strong as the foliage will stand. 'I'his can only be ascertained by trial. Put on tbe plants the same as recommended for Paris Green spray. 'I'h e above spray should be used on all plant lice, pumpkin and squash bugs when young. Chinch bugs, cabbage and collard lice, etc. Hand picking is the most effective for tbe strip- ed cabbage beetle, squash bug, etc. Very often a simple application of soot, lime, plaster, road dust, ash es, cotton seed meal, etc., will completely drive away tbe potato beetle, flea beetles, and leaf hoppers. Stored Grain 'I'h e pea. bean and grain weevil of all kinds m ay be destroyed by bisul b .d e of carbon, a vile smelling liqu id , wbich is very volatile (going into gas readily), it is very explosive, and must be kept away from fire. 'I'he seed, or grain to be treated is put into a tight bin, can or box, the liquid poured into a saucer or any shallow vessel and set upon top of the grai u, the lid is now closed and kept so for several days. 1 pound of bisulphide is sufficient for 100 bushels of grain. Trap Crops All insects love young tender, juicy plants, and will feed upon them in preference to old ones, many planters take advantage of this fact and plant patches alongside or rows in between the old crop. Most of the insects will attack the young crop. 'l'hey can here be easily destroyed by spraying with pure kerosene or boiling hot water. 'I'urnips, mustard, rape, radishes, etc., are the trap crops most commonly used. Plowing On the destruction of insects the time and manner play no small part. 16 BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHrrEEN As to the ti rue, plow just as early in the fall as the crop can be gotten off, the earlier the better, many white grubs, wire worms harlequin cabbage beetles, corn worms, army worms, pupae, grub worms, and other insects will be destroyed. As to the manuel', deep (9:-inch) plowing is preferable at all times, the soil should be turned corn pletoly upside down. Winter Many of the insects mentioned already may be found hidden away under logs, stones, in stems of weeds and trash, in the earth where they await the return of warm. weather. As a rule hand picking and the frequent stirring of soil is the most effective way for Making Fertilizer beginners to get rid of insects. If this is done frequently many will leave to seek more congenial quarters, as most insects -do not like to be disturbed. An ideal garden will have all these pests reduced to the mini- mum. Making Fertilizers Too much stress cannot be laid upon' this important itenl.All the weeds, grass, leaves, pine tag, wood ashes, old plaster, Iime, old clothing, shoes broken up bones, feathers, hair, horns and hoofs of animals, swamp muck, etc., should go into the compost heap. Select a convenient place for the heap. Hollow out the ground BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN 17 into a sort of pit or basin to prevent the heap from leaching and therefore wasting more or less of its valuable fertilizing' constit- uents. Put down a layer of leaves, etc., say from 6 to 8 inches deep. On top of this a layer of swamp-muck .to the same depth. Let this alternating process continue until your heap is as high as you desire. After covering with a rough shed or shaping the top somewhat like a .p.itato hill to turn the bulk of water, let all remain until thoroug-hly rotted. Barn-yard manure, cotton seed~ etc., may be mixed in. Application of Fertilizers As has been said before, one of the most essential things in the production of good crops of any kind is the deep and thorough prep- aration of the soil-after this comes the proper fertilization. :For convenience'! have used the physical divlslons made by the Alabama Experiment Station, which seems .most admirable. F or the Calcareous Clay Loams of North Alabama From 10 to 12 tons of barnyard manure per acre will be suffl- 'cient, this may be supplemented with 100 pounds acid phosphate forty pounds kainitand eighty pounds cotton seedm ea.l. . For the Sandy Soils of the Eastern and Central Part of the State' From eighteen to twenty tons of barnyard manure per acre can be advantageously applied, this to be supplementedwith 100pounds acid phosphate, fifty pounds kainit and 100 pounds cotton seed meal. F or the Level Lands of the Southern Long Leaf Pine Region Use Irorn 16 to 18 tons of barnyard manure, supplemented with 75 pounds .acld phosphate, eighty pounds kainit and 120 pounds cotton seed meal. For- Any Well-Drained Soil in Any Part oj the Stale Use from 18 to 20 tons of barnyard manure, per acre, supple- mentedwltheigh ty pounds phosphoric acid.;ei-ghty .pounds katnif and from eighty to one hundred pounds of cotton .seed meal. To obtain the b st results, the barnyard manure should be 'w.ell rotted, and the commercial fertilizer thoroughly mixed with it be- fore appyling to the land. Fungus Diseases In the spring look for the downy mildew on the undersideof the young cabba.re .plants, especially In the hot bed. Remedy-l'hin out and give plenty of air, also pull off the affected leaves. 'I'h e damping off or rotting of young plants in the hot bed, boxes or cold frames, is. a very troublesome. disease' which comes about mainly from over-crowding, over-heating and over-watering the plants. Remedy-thin out, do not water so freely"~:give plenty of air and sprinkle dry sand amongst the plants. 18 BULLETIN NUMBER EIGHrrEEN In the summer, look for the leaf spot of the beet, beans, melons, squash, ·cucumbers, peas, etc. The simplest and most eff'ect.ive rem- edy is to keep the plants growing fast by good fertilization and tillage, so as to enable then to resist these diseases. In the fall look for the cabbage, rutabaga, turnip, and collard rot. Remedy-Get good seed or plants frorn some one else and move the crop to another place where none of these things have been grown before. 'I'he re are many other diseases but their description and treat- ment is too technical to be treated here. Planting Calendar The following suggestions as to what, when and how to plant may prove helpful to many. It applies to near ly all of the Southern States, varying more or less with the locality' and s~- verity of the climate. In some months certain f'a.rm operations are mentioned which it is hoped wi ll prove helpful to the teacher in his community work. ' January' If you have not already done so you should begin in this month to prepare for the spring gardening by breaking the ground very deeply and thoroughly, clearing off and destroying all trash which would seem to jrove a hiding place or wintering quarters of noxious insects. Before breaking, it would pay to put upon the' gard en .a heavy coating of barnyard mannre. Carrots, lettuce and turnips should be sown in open ground. Early Jersey Wakefield Winingstadt and Early York cabbage in cold frames or well protected places, such as the south side of bui Id ings, ern bankments, e tc. Grape vines, fruit trees, hedges and ornamental trees should receive attention as to prnning, fertilizing, etc. Both root and to p grafting of trees should be done. Onion sets and shul lots may be p la.n tod , Continue sowing in hot beds all the seed recornmend ed in December, and in addition sowtoma.tocs, egg plants; sow in open ground parsnips, parsley, radish, kale, rape, kohl ra.bi , caurots, rutabagas; set onion slips and asparagns roots. Irish (white) potatoes should be planted. Put in more cabbage, cau llflower and turnips, in variety. Plant a few parsnips, carrot s, radish, lettuce, beet. spinach, mustard and parsley. English peas, onion sets and shallots may be put in. About the 15th of the mouth early corn may be planted. Egg plants, tomatoes and pepper mav be sown in the hot bed. Plant vegetable oyster seed and artichokes. The asparagus bed should have a good dressing of well-rotted BULLErrIN NTTMBER EIGHrrEEN 19 stable manure. 'I'h is should be spread over the bed and spaded or . forked in. Note In extremely cold winters some of these things recommended for open ground wirrterk ll I, but these Instances are rare and it pays to plant, even though, oecaslonal ly, w e lose a part or all of the crop. March English peas, onion sets, sha.llots, cabbage, collards; cauliflower corn, cowpeas, peanuts, ok ra, squash, cush aw, pumpkins, canta- loupes, CUCUlll bers.. watermelons, parsnl ps, carrots, radish, lettuce, and parsley ~111aybe planted'. Snap and lima beans , may be planted the latter part of the month, Another sowing of tomatoes and egg plants rnay be made L) the hot bed. Begin at once to fight the noxious insects. Sweet potatoes may be bedded . .April If the seed planted last month has made a poor stand r,'- plant at once. Cabbage, pepper, egg-plants, and tomatoes may be set in open ground. I~ frost should make its appearance the tomato plants must be covered with tin cans, boxes or paper folded into a hood. In this way very early torna.toes can be had. An ot.her planting of cucumber, squash, cusha ws, pumpk ins, watcrmolons, corn, snap and lima beans, cowpeas and okra may be made. Cotton seed may be planted. May Set sweet potato sl ips, mor e tomatoes. egg-plants~ and con- tinue to plant pum pk lns, squash, cushaws, melons, snap and Iim a beans, corn, okra, etc. June Continue the work of May and in addition prepare a spot of ground for tur uipa, rape, III ustard, etc. Begin to set win tel' col- lards and cabbage. Save all goo~seed as they ripen. July Prepare the land and plant a late crop of corn. Set winter cabbage and collards, sow turnl ps, rutabagas, rape, mustard and kohl rabi. Plant beets, cushaws and snap beans for faU crop. Sweet potato vines m ay be planted. August' Plant cucumbers for pickling. Set a patch of tomatoes for late crop. Continue to set collards and cabbage plants. Sow lettuce, rad ish es, beets, turn lps, rutabagas, rape, mustard and a late patch of cowpeas. Snap. beans ~ay be planted for a fall crop. Be sure to harvest the grasses suitable for hay. September Strawberry beds should be prepared and the plants set out. 20 BULLErrIN NUMBER EIGHTEEN Continue to sow turnips, rutabagas, lettuce, and radishes. On- ion seeds should be sown and onion sets and shallots planted. Sow crimson clover, hairy vetch, oats, rye, barley and wheat; collards, parsnips, parsley, English peas, cabbage seed, snap beans, (of the bunch varieties) tomato cuttings, asparagus roots, kale- carrots, rape and kohlrabi. October Continue to set strawberries, and the sowing of turnips, rape, mus, tard, lettuce, rad ishes, beets, rutabagas, parsnips, Swiss chard, salsi- fy, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, spinach, onion sets, leeks; and trans- plant collards and cabbage. See that all the garden and farm tools are repaired and made ready for spring work. Look well after the manure heaps and see that they are not heating too much or the elements of fertility washed out by the heavy rains. Begin digging sweet- potatoes. Save seed. Sow oats, rye, barley, wheat, hairy vetch and crimson clover. November Continue to look after the manure. Rake up leaves, grass, straw, muck, etc., and put into the compost heap; lime, ashes, plaster, oyster shells, and bones beaten up are all valuable for this heap and under no circumstances should they be allowed to go to "Taste. Gather, sort andbauk or house the sweet potatoes. Begin to prune fruit trees, shrubs and vines. Prepare good warm places for the poultry and stock of all kinds. Many dollars worth of feed will be saved by having these shelters, besides, exposure endangers the anirnals life and renders it unfit for the work expected of it in the spring. Begin turning the unoccupied land with a two-horse plow. Sow the following seed in cold frames: lettuce, spinach, beets, ca.ullflower, find brussel l sprouts. December Look over your stock of garden seeds. Test then by' planting a few in: the house in a box of damp sand. Make out a list of those to be purchased. Continue to break Iand, Set hens. Build and re-L pair fences, terraces, etc. 'I'ransplant cabbage to 'open ground. Con- tinue sowing all of the seed reC0111111endedin November, in cold trames. How to Dig and Set Trees The first Essential in getting a .tree to' live is to dig it 'properly, which means the getting of just as 'many of the roots as possible, the 1110reearth you can save clinging to the roots in lifting, the better. A hole from 16 to IS inch es larger than the ball of earth or the longest mass of roots on the tree should be dug out from 2 to 3 feet deep,fill with well rooted barnyard manure and leaf mould, to the desired depth, chop it into the other earth wel l with a spade, set the tree and firm the earth well around it, water thoroughly and BULLE'l'IN NUMBER EIGHTFEN 21 fill with earth nearly to the top. The same method recommended for the digging- and setting of trees applies equally well to shrubs and vines. The best time to set the majority of trees, shrubs and vines is in early spring just before growth begins, say January, February and March, in this locality. 'I'hey may also be set in September October and November, and even in December, but personally. I prefer the spring planting. How to make a Lawn Since the Bermuda grass is the best one in this section for lawn making, I shall confine my suggestion almost, if not wholly, to it. 'I'he site for the lawn should first be gotten in order by remov- ing stumps, stones, filling washes and making the contour you wish, then plow, improve and prepare exactly the same as for the garden. If a quick effect is desired lay the sods close together, if not run light furrows from 1 to 2 feet apart, drop in pieces of sod and cover lightly with earth. Excellent lawns can be made from early spring to midsummer in this way. Flower Beds In addition to splendid trees, and lovely grass, a few well arranged flower beds will add much to the beauty of the surround- ings. 'I'hese in number, size, shape, etc., may be just what fancy dictates. 'I'he ground should be made very rich, in fact, just as recommended for the garden. The following plants and seed will be found most desirable: Seeds Vinca, Marigolds, 'I'oueh-me-nots, MorningG!ories (vines) moon flowers (vines), Cypress (vines), Pansies, Cosmos, Zinnia, Petuna, Salvia or scarlet sage, Sweet peas. Phlox, Sweet Alyssum, Pansies, Candy tuft, Verbenas, Sunflowers, Castor oil beans, Black-eyed susans, Poppies, Bachelor's buttons, Ragged robbins, Coxcomb. Plants Cannas, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Violets, Lantanas, Coleus (in variety). Bulbs 'I'ul ips, Narcissus, Crocus, Hyacinth, Amaryllis, Lillies in variety, Gladiolus. Neighboring Schools Fig. 13 represents the tendency of the idea of the school garden to grow. 'I'he teachers of neighboring schools have taken up the work with success. 'I'hey claim that it helps them to keep in closer touch with the parents of the children. In many cases 22 RULLE'l'IN NUMBER EIGH'l'EEN new life or interest in school work has been infused in this way Into the whole community. Window and Veranda Boxes There is nothing that adds so much of real beauty. cheerful- ness, and instructive inspiration, for the sma 11outlay as a few pots or boxes of well grown plants. Even though the schoolhouse be of logs, "clapboards" or what not, it can be transformed into a bright and cheery spot, with a little whitewash inside and out and a nice pot of wandering Jew, Kennelworth ivy, sweet potato vines, morning glories, etc., as hanging baskets in the window, on the veranda or especially pre- pared shelves, which the children will delight to make. Where it is too cold to have tender plants, some of the garden vegetables ave very ornamental, and make beautiful pot plants, such as curled parsley, curled m ustard , curled kale, cauliflower, red and green leaved beets, cabbage, collards, kohl rabi, okra etc., wheat, rye, oats, barley, crimson and red clover, and the vetches all make lovely pot and vase plants and are not seriously injur d by the cold. Beautifying the School Grounds No place can be called a school in the highest sense that has no pictures on the wall, no paint or whitewash on the buildings, either inside or outside, no trees, shrubs, vines, grasses or properly laid out walks and paths, which appeal to. the child's aesthetic nature and sets before him the most important of all secular lessons-order and system. With this end in v iewa few suggestions are here offered with the hope that every teacher will put forth strenuous efforts to see that his school grounds are made just as attractive as poss ib le with the native trees, shrubs, vines, etc., about you. 'I'he following list of nat.ive decorative plants is by no means complete. I am giving just a few of the most desirable in each group. Trees Magnolia. Holly, 'in three varieties. Oak, in four varieties. Elm, two varieties. ( 'edar. Cypress. Wild Cherry, two varieties. Poplar, two varieties. Ash. Pine, two varieties. Willow. Gum, two varieties. Hirch, Sycamore. Bay. Mulberry, Walnut. Catalpa. Honey Locust. Beech. BULLE'l'IN NUMBER EIGH'l'EEN 23 Shrubs Wild Crab Apple. Wild Olive. French Mulberry. Azalea. Bladder nut. Hydrangea. Callico Bush. Wild Hop. Huckleberry, three varieties. Elder. Wild Plum. Bar Grass, three varieties. Sweet Shrub, two varieties. Grancy grey beard. Vines 'l'rumpet Creeper. Virginia Creeper. Roses, in two var let.ies. Wild Smilax, four varieties. Honey Suckle,in two varieties. Supple Jack. Yellow J'essamluc. Wild Grape, in two varieties. Cross Vine. False Grape. NO'fE-See Bulletin 16 of the 'I'usk egee Experiment Station for a more complete list of the ornamental plants of Macon County, Alabama.