THE FLORIST. 321 



that it would cross with our common garden kinds, and that the 

 offspring of such a cross would, in all probability, prove sweet- 

 scented. At the same meeting, Messrs. Henderson shewed a new 

 Veronica, a cross between V. speciosa and salicifolia. It was about 

 intermediate between the two, and very pretty. The flower-spikes 

 are first violet, and then they change to white. 



THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 



This is at hand : let us review the past season in connexion with 

 our gardening pursuits. If we have been too lavish in our expen- 

 diture, and thereby impaired the enjoyment which would otherwise 

 have been ours, let us resolve to exercise a wise economy, and to cur- 

 tail resolutely. If, on the other hand, our means will allow of our 

 doing so with propriety, let us increase our payments for labour, 

 plants, materials, &c. There is not a more real charity than the 

 employment of the deserving labourer or of a well-conducted lad. 

 Money expended with a nurseryman enables him also to expend 

 more with others. tCTr 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 



Auriculas. — The fine open weather of November may cause num- 

 bers more than usual to throw up their flower-stems. As soon 

 as they rise above the foliage, the buds should be carefully rubbed 

 off, without injuring the crown of the stem. Give abundance of 

 air at every opportunity, but carefully protect the plants from 

 excess of wet. Moisten the soil in the pots now and then if in- 

 clined to drought, and do not suffer it to get perfectly dry, or the 

 plants will perish. 



Seed. — Towards the end of the month prepare compost for 

 sowing the seed in, and shelter it from rain, that it may be in 

 readiness for use. The heaps of compost should be turned in 

 frosty weather, preserving it as near as possible in a half-dried 

 state. 



Peckham. J. T. Nevillk. 



Calceolarias. — Mild as the weather has been, it is loaded with 

 moisture ; and the whole of the stock should be carefully gone 

 over, to remove any fogged foliage, particularly about the neck 

 of the plant, or at its junction with the soil. Give air at all 

 suitable opportunities, and fumigate when necessary. 



Sudbury, Derbyshire. W. H Holmes. 



Carnations and Picotees. — See p. 306. 



Royal Nursery, Slouyh. I . Turnzb. 



vol. ii. NO. xxiv. B B 



