JANUARY. ' 29 



70 degrees by day, in severe weather, and in mild weather a few degrees 

 higher, ahvays allowing it to rise ten degrees or so more by sunheat. 

 ]Maintain a moist growing atmosphere. Give air freely every day, but 

 avoid cold draughts. Water but sparingly, at the same time do not let 

 them suffer for want of it. Do not let the shoots get crowded ; rather 

 have them too thin if anything. Sow for a spring crop, and place them 

 in good bottom heat, and as near the light as possible. 



Dahlias. — It will be necessary to carefully examine the roots, par- 

 ticularly those from the ground, to see they are not decaying at the 

 crown. If they appear to be rotting downwards, put them to work in 

 heat, or they may be entirely lost. It is best and most secure to grow a 

 few pot roots, as they are termed — roots from plants that have been kept 

 in pots. These will keep sound longer than those from the open ground, 

 particularly if the latter have been grown freely, in rich soil, causing 

 them to have large, hollow stems. These pot roots are also best adapted 

 for transmission to a distance, and, if not required to be used to produce 

 cuttings for the purpose of propagation, they make excellent strong 

 early plants, by startmg them in gentle heat early in April. 



Flower Garden. — At this season of the year keep lawns, walks, &:c., 

 as clean and orderly as possible. Tender Roses and other tender plants 

 should be protected from frost. Protect bulbs, &c 



Forcing Hardy Slirubs. — A mild steady bottom heat, a temperature 

 of from 50 to 60 degrees, with a rise of 10 or 15 degrees by sunheat, 

 and syringing morning and evening with warm water, will ensure 

 success here. As soon as the plants in bloom are removed to the 

 conservatory and show house, fill up with fresh plants. Introduce 

 Kalmias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Deutzias, Lilacs, and Roses. 



Forcing Ground. — Prepare beds for Asparagus to succeed former 

 crops. Keep the roots near the glass, and on fine days pull the lights 

 off" occasionally ; the buds will, by this means, acquire more of their 

 natural flavour and colour than they otherwise would. Cover Seakale 

 and Rhubarb roots with pots, and then cover with sufficient fermenting 

 material to cause a heat of about 80 degrees. But a better plan is to 

 make a bed of fermenting materials and put the roots in it, and exclude 

 the light ; or they may be forced under trellis in a Vinery or Peach 

 house. Bring Ash-leaved Kidney Potatoes forward in pots and boxes, 

 to be planted out in pits or beds when ready for them. Put roots of 

 Tarragon and Mint into one of the hotbeds. Sow Mustard and Cress 

 once or twice a week, according to the consumption. Sow Early Horn 

 Carrot in a slight hotbed ; also some Radishes. Have always in 

 readiness a good heap of fermenting materials ; if the weather suddenly 

 becomes very cold you will then be able to keep up the heat in any of 

 the pits where it may be declining. 



Fruit, Hardy. — Without pretending to be weather prophets, we may, 

 from present appearances, expect severe weather the early part of 

 January. If this should be so, see that the wood of Fig trees is well 

 v/rapped up with straw or Fern. If the weather is open, all kinds of 

 hardy fruit trees may be planted. Pruning may also be proceeded with 

 in open weather. Espaliers also may be tied, and wall trees nailed. 

 Not a moment in fine weather should be lost in prosecuting such work. 



