1869.] SEASONABLE HINTS FOR AMATEURS. DECEMBER. 273 



ever limited, should be -without Paul's double crimson Thorn. Eoses may be 

 planted in mild weather, and the standards should be well secured to stakes. 

 Flowers in the open border will now be scarce, but there is one plant, the Helle- 

 borus niger, which makes its appearance about this time, and which is on that 

 account called the Christmas Eose ; this, which should be in every garden, 

 delights in a deep, cool, strong soil, but to have the flowers in perfection, a hand- 

 glass should be placed over them to protect from frost and rains ; it is a plant 

 easily increased by division of the roots. 



All tender plants, in pits, frames, and houses, should, during this and the fol- 

 lowing months, be kept at rest as much as possible. A safe rule to observe is to 

 give air at every favourable opportunity ; to protect well in frosty weather ; and 

 to water only when absolutely necessary. Cinerarias and Primulas coming into 

 flower should be kept at the warmest end of the Greenhouse. Chrysanthemums 

 will now be in full flower, and the collection should be looked over, with a view 

 to exclude all the inferior varieties, since there are now so many beautiful kinds. 

 This is a good time for amateurs, who are fond of these flowers, to visit the nur- 

 series where they are extensively grown, and to select, whilst in flower, the 

 kinds they may like best. 



In the Kitchen Garden, the various operations of cleaning, draining, digging, 

 and trenching should be proceeded with, when the weather is favourable. In 

 frosty weather manure should be wheeled on to vacant ground, and to all other 

 parts where it may be wanted. Celery should be protected with a good covering of 

 dry litter, during the continuance of severe frost. Parsley should also be protected 

 with a frame and light, or with some temporary contrivance. Cauliflowers in head 

 should be taken up and laid in by the heels ; also Lettuces and Endive. When 

 there is an appearance of severe frost setting in, some Turnips, Parsnips, Jeru- 

 salem Artichokes, and Horseradish should be taken up and placed under cover, 

 for use during its continuance. Broccoli plants should be laid down with the 

 heads facing the north ; they will then be more secure against frost and snows, 

 than if left standing upright. Potatos and Onions in store should be occasion- 

 ally looked over, and any which show symptoms of decay should be removed. 



The planting of fruit trees, if not done last month, may be proceeded with 

 during mild weather. The list of fruit trees given at page 12 will be a guide for 

 amateurs what varieties to select. I would caution them against planting weakly- 

 growing kinds, and all shy and uncertain bearers. It is a great disappointment 

 to any persons, but particularly to amateurs, whose gardens are often small, to 

 plant a fruit tree, and after waiting some years, to find the variety either a weak- 

 growing tree or a bad bearer. Fresh plantations of Raspberries may still be made. 

 Cuttings of Gooseberries and Currants may now be made, and planted in rows a 

 foot apart. The pruning, training, and nailing of all kinds of fruit trees should 

 be proceeded with in open weather, as it is very desirable to get as much of this 

 work completed as possible before spring, when so many pressing operations, 



