578 



THE GARDENER. 



Bv.c. iSSi. 



bouses and such structures are of much 

 value for the purpose of protecting 

 vegetables. Heeling them over is an 

 old practice which still has many ad- 

 mirers. Certainly, when ])lants are 

 close to the ground, the use of litter in 

 extra sharp weather is of good ellect, 

 and can be easily a})plied. Some are 

 l)leased with huge plants ; but stiff, 

 firm, small ones are most preferable. 

 AVe have seen the inexperienced de- 

 lighted with their gross growth, while 

 their neighbour, from sad experience, 

 aimed at small hardy plants of Broc- 

 coli ; and we need not say who had 

 most to be thankful for when spring 

 arrived. Lettuce and Endive should 

 be put under protection against severe 

 weather. A board laid over the En- 

 dive blanches it well ; or it may be 

 tied up till it is white in the hearts. 



Leeks and Parsnips should be put 

 into store (small lots at a time) against 

 severe weather. Turnips may have 

 the soil drawn over them in the rows. 

 A quantity may be placed in pits, or 

 covered with straw in sheds or out- 

 houses. A warm border should be 

 prepared for early crops, such as 

 Carrots, Potatoes, Radishes, &c. When 

 thrown up to the weather for a few 



weeks, and then well broken, mixing 

 in it sand and light soil, it is in good 

 c()ndition for line seeds or early crops 

 of any kind, Foicing of Asparagus, 

 French Beans, Rhubarb, and Seakaie 

 should now be on the way if these are 

 to be had at Christmas : attend to former 

 directions regarding them. Potatoes 

 (early Kidneys) may be placed in heat 

 and moisture, to sprout and get ready 

 for planting in pots, or on gentle 

 warmth in pits or frames. Put plenty 

 of small salads into growth. Make 

 Mushroom-beds often, of small size 

 in preference to large. If one lot 

 goes wrong, the other soon takes its 

 place. Small beds every fortnight or 

 three weeks are safer than large ones 

 made once in two months or so. Herbs 

 should be potted or boxed, according 

 to the quantity wanted. Mint, Tara- 

 gon. Sorrel, and some others are what 

 there is most demand for. Parsley, 

 Cauliflower, and other plants in frames, 

 should have all the air possible ; only 

 keep of!" severe frost and drenching 

 rains. Portable plant-protectors (now 

 so favourably known) are of great 

 value in vegetable-gardens, or where- 

 ever one may wish to keep off severe 

 weather. M. T. 



All business comuiuuications and all Advertisements should be addressed to 

 the Publishers, and communications for insertion in the ' Gardener ' to David 

 Thomson, Drumlaurig Gardens, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. It will further 

 oblige if all matter intended for publication, and questions to be replied to, 

 be received by the 14th of the month, and written on one side of the paper 

 only. It is also requested that writers forward their name and address, not 

 for publication unless they wish it, but for the sake of that mutual confidence 

 which should exist between the Editor and those who address him. We 

 decline noticing any communication which is not accompanied with name and 

 address of writer, 



G. F. N, — In our present issue you will find some remarks on 

 materials for potting Orchids that may be of service to you. And we 

 are bappy to announce to you, and our readers in general, that we 

 liave arranged for a series of papers on Orchid-culture, to be written 

 by a most extensive cultivator, and one who is acknowledged to stand 

 in the front rank of Orchid - growers. These papers will appear 

 monthly, beginning in January. 



A. H, — Your Vines have doubtless suffered from the wet adhesive state 

 of the border, aggravated by the sunless season experienced in Scotland, 

 You will never have satisfactory results until you lift and replant the Vines 

 in proper soil— a good holding loam lying on perfect drainage. 



S, T. — Peaches — Royal George, Violet Hative, Sea Eagle, Walburton Ad- 

 mirable. Nectarines— Humboldt, Pine-Apple, Pitmaston Orange, Victoria, 



