142 



FOBEST WOBK FOB TEE MONTH. 



[Dec. 



ENGLAND. 



,HE meteorological phenomena of December are often a continu- 

 ation of the characteristics of the preceding month. In 

 some years dry bracing frosts prevail ; in others it may 

 present a series of fogs and cold drizzling rains; and in a few it 

 presents the clearness and mildness of autumn ; but generally to- 

 wards the close of the month we expect all the stern, stormy and 

 relentless characteristics of winter. 



The mean rainfall is 2^ inches, and the evaporation about two- 

 thirds of an inch. During December last year (1882), the actual 

 rainfall at Clifton, near Bristol, was 4'45 inches, and at Chewton 

 Priory, on the edge of the Mendip Hills, the rainfall was 7"60 inches. 



Okchakd. — Continue the planting and pruning of fruit trees while 

 the weather continues open, and finish pruning Gooseberries, 

 Currants, and liaspberries. Dig up roughly all stiff soils, and expose 

 to the action of the weather during winter. Secure the supports of 

 lately planted trees, and strengthen and repair tree guards. 



Fences. — Continue to act upon the instructions given last month, 

 pushing on all kind of fence work, as the weather will admit. 



Woods and Plantations. — Continue forest planting as the 

 weather will admit, but do not attempt planting in frosty weather, 

 nor in wet portions of land. Select the driest portions of ground for 

 earliest planting, and leave the dampest ground for the last. 



Evergreen shrubs should not be transplanted during this month, as 

 none but the hardiest of these can be moved about with impunity at 

 this season. 



Continue the thinning of plantations and the cutting down of 



