372 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



conclusion, we recommend B. indica major as a stock wherever 

 the winters are not very severe, and where earthing up or covering 

 around the base is sufficient protection to secure the advantages 

 of this vigorous-growing species for this purpose. — Illustration 

 Horticole. 



THE GARDEN GUIDE FOR DECEMBEE. 



" And after him came next the chill December : 



Yet he, through merry feasting which he made, 

 And great bonfires, did not the cold remember ; 



His Saviour's birthe his mind so much did glad. 

 Upon a shaggy- bearded goat he rode, 



The same wherewith Dan love in tender yeares, 

 They say, vyas nourisht by th' Isean Mayd ; 

 And in his hand a broad deep bowl he beares, 

 Of which he freely drinks an health to all his peeres." 



Spensee. 



|HE only flowers likely to be met with during the month 

 are the fragrant coltsfoot, the Christmas rose, and the 

 winter aconite. In mild winters and in sheltered 

 situations, there will be an abundance of sweet violets, 

 and the bedding violas will also present bits of colour. 

 To make up for the deficiency ot flowers, we have tiie berries of the 

 pyracantha, skimmia, and other shrubs, which, if not attacked by 

 the birds, present a most brilliant appearance during the month. 



The garden work of December dift'ers so little from that of last 

 month, that it requires no special comment. To avoid hurry and 

 confusion hereafter, all work that can be done now should have 

 attention at once. 



Elower Gaeden. — All ground work should be pushed on as 

 fast as circumstances will permit, to enable it to get thoroughly 

 settled before spring. This is a very good time to form fresh lawns, 

 and lay down turf. Deciduous trees aud shrubs may be planted 

 durino- the early part of the month with reasonable chance of 

 success ; but unless the planting can be finished quickly, it will be 

 well to leave it until the spring. All unoccupied beds and borders 

 should be dug up, aud the surface lefi rough, to enable the weather 

 to act upon it. Clear the shrubbery borders of leaves, to prevent 

 their being blown about with every gust of wind, and littering the 

 walks and grass-plots. Protect tea and other tender roses with dry 

 litter or fern ; but where they are growing in a prominent position, 

 this system of protection will be objectionable ; and, instead of 

 adopting it, take the plants up carefully, and lay them in by their 

 heels in a sheltered corner, and cover with litter or fern. These 

 can be planted again early in March, and will, if handled carefully, 

 scarcely feel the shift. 



Gkeenhouse. — To keep the usual stock of greenhouse plants in 

 health during the winter, maintain a comparatively dry atmosphere, 

 which must be regularly changed by opening the ventilators on all 

 favourable opportunities ; aud if there is any danger of the tempera- 

 ture falling too low, apply a little fire-heat during the time the 



