2252. Peach Trees are protected from hard winters by covering the roots a foot deep with straw, in January, after the ground has become thoroughly frozen, which keeps the frost in the ground, and so prevents the sap from starting until the Spring is fairly opened.
2253. Save your Fire Wood.—Mr. Madison, in his Notes of Agriculture, says, "Of all the errors in our rural economy, none perhaps is to be so much regretted, because none so difficult to be repaired, as the excessive and injudicious destruction of fire-wood."
2254. Sorrel may be killed out by lime, while ashes have no effect on it.
2255. Shumac or Sumac, a poisonous shrub or plant, which grows wild in abundance, and frequently where nothing else will, is used for dyeing in England, at the rate of thirteen thousand tons per annum. It might be made a source of profit to our farmers.
GARDENING
(SEE PAGE [291].)
2256. Kitchen Garden.—This is one of the most important parts of general domestic economy, whenever the situation of a house will permit a family to avail themselves of its assistance, in aid of butcher's bills.