502 THE GARDENER. [Nov, 



hardy roots, should be lifted to keep up a supply if the ground should 

 become frozen. Brussels Sprouts are now ready for use. Some take 

 the tops first, with the idea that the Sprouts will swell out better, others 

 leave the tops for protection : however, we have failed to observe much 

 difference either way. Keeping them clear of dead and decaying leaves 

 is of importance. It is now late to sow small Salads outside, but in 

 boxes or earthen pans small quantities may be sown, and can be raised 

 in the window of a dwelling-house, or anywhere that a growing tem- 

 perature can be allowed. Golden and American Cress, with us, often 

 give a supply the whole winter through, when well established at the 

 base of a wall. Lettuce, late Cauliflower, Broccolis, or any other 

 vegetables liable to be destroyed by frost, should be taken under cover 

 in time, in a cool dry earth-pit ; they will keep good for weeks. Let- 

 tuce and Cauliflower (for next season's supply), growing in frame, &c., 

 should be kept dry, and the surface soil free and healthy. AVe have 

 seen successful market-growers have the soil for these and Salads in 

 frames so free, that they could blow it with their breath — almost en- 

 tirely withholding water till active growth commenced, then there was no 

 stint in supplying it. Globe Artichokes should have the soil thrown up 

 to the collars of the plants, sloping so that rains would be carried off. 

 Dry litter is often used, but if not placed compact, and so as to throw 

 off wet, it does more damage than full exposure to all weathers. Pars- 

 ley under protection should have plenty of air, only using the covers 

 when weather is severe. Grubs have kept down Parsley crops with us 

 this season, but a few bundles of thinnings from friends will keep us 

 well supplied. These thinnings were planted thickly in an earth-pit, 

 and are now growing freely, and will be kept as a reserve. It is un- 

 pleasant, as well as injurious to the crop, to sweep off frozen snow to 

 find a picking. Let Beet, Carrots, and any other roots in store, be 

 looked to, as some may be rotting or heating. 



Box edgings may be formed or repaired. The latter operation is 

 very unsatisfactory. For the fresh box, let the edge be dug over, 

 breaking the soil well, picking out any stones that might be in the 

 way of the spade ; thoroughly tread and beat down the soil to the 

 proper level, and cut out a notch close along a mark made with the 

 o-arden-line ; and after the box is reduced and neatly trimmed, it 

 should be placed in the cut made for it, placing the soil to the roots, 

 while the plants are kept in their place with the back of the left 

 hand, leaving the tops an inch or so above the soil ; level in and 

 tread the soil firmly, replace and level the gravel, and the operation 

 is finished. Gravelling and turning walks may be done at any time 

 in the winter months, making them firm by treading, levelling, and 

 roUino-. gait stops the work of worms ; care must be exercised 



