288 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [December. 



on no account, however, sliould it be attempted in cold, bitter weather, as the 

 hxbour then can otherwise be more profitably employed. If not already done, put 

 in cuttings of Gooseberries and Currants. Keep the fruit-room dry and cool ; 

 examine frequently the store of fruit, and pick out all decaying ones, — M. Saul, 

 Stonrton^ Yorkshire. 



VEGETABLES. 

 Take advantage of any fine dry days during the earlier part of the month 

 to bring the earthing-up of Celery to a close ; it will be necessary to bank up 

 more permanently now, than was needful in the case of early crops, as a protection 

 against severe frosts. Should a severe frosty period set in during this month — 

 and it may be anticipated at any time between the 20tli and oOth — place a layer 

 of long stable litter, or what is better, cut-and-dried Bracken fern, along the rows 

 upon either side of the green tops. Similar coverings should also be placed amongst, 

 and slightly over, the tops of Autumn Broccoli., of the Walcheren and Snow's 

 types. It is judicious also to place a little over beds of Horse-radish.^ Parsle//, 

 Radishes, and early autumn-sown Carrots intended for midwinter use ; also over 

 Parsnips and Jerusalem Artichokes, in instances where a sufficiency of either has 

 not been housed, which is a desirable practice in regard to the latter, but not of 

 the others, if it is desired that each should go to the table in the freshest and 

 tenderest manner possible. I would particularly advise the discontinuance of the 

 practice embodied in the taking-up of Parsnips and storing them away dr}^, or 

 moderately so, through the long winter ; they always eat fibrous in consequence. 

 Attend very carefully to the artificial warmth which maybe engendered by means 

 of fermenting materials over beds or plantations of Seakale and RJtuharh, seeing 

 that even slight fluctuations of temperature influence the heat thus generated. 

 Too great a heat leads to scalding the crowns, the rotting of which not only 

 destroys the present crop, but materially injures the stools for a long 

 time after. Those who possess a Mushroom-house may economise time very 

 materially in this respect by taking up the crowns, and laying them into soil in 

 a dark corner therein, and in such a way that fresh outer air cannot penetrate to 

 the young blanched growths, which would cause them to grow green, and no 

 possible effort would then cause them to blanch properly. Secure Po/rti'o-pits or 

 houses, yl/)^)/e-rooms, &c., permanently against frost. Place roots of Mint, Tar- 

 ragon, and such like Herbs into pans or boxes for forcing, that a supply may be 

 had when wanted. Make up successional beds of Asparagus as frequently as the 

 demand requires. Where early Horn Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes, Sec, are in 

 demand at the earliest date possible, the necessary fermenting materials should 

 now be turned over periodically, in order to sweeten them, in readiness for finally 

 making-up the beds. Heaps of strong manure should be turned over once in 

 about five days, at least three times in succession, and exclusive of the final 

 making-up of the bed, which must remain for settlement, and for the rankest of the 

 steam and heat to pass off, before any attempt is made to j^lant or sow thereon. 

 Give air constantly during mild periods to Caulifloicers and Lettuces in frames, 

 and make successional sowings of small Salading and Dicarf Fi'cnch Beans. 



Wheel all kinds of Manure and garden refuse on to vacant spaces during hard 

 frosty weather, and when the ground is in such a state as to admit of cleanly 

 walking over all the parts. Trench all such plots where this latter has not been 

 done for the last three or four seasons, placing at the bottom of the trenches the 

 greenest and most lasting manures or refuse. The Walls should also have atten- 

 tion at this season of the year ; re-gravel, or turn the gravel, in the case of all such 

 as need these attentions, and during mild periods relay Box edgings where neces- 

 sary. Keep young crops free from weeds. — William Earley, Valentines. 



