538 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



season to have their positions changed may now be attended to. A herba- 

 ceous border to be eilcetive must be arranged with consummate care. Dwarf 

 kinds smothered up by tall growers — scattering roots through the ground 

 when digging is going on— allowing them to unduly monopolise space, — are 

 some of the evils tiot imcomraon in the management of herbaceous borders. 

 If they have become much deranged, it is best to lift all the plants, arrange 

 them in order on spare ground, trench and manure the border in which they 

 are to be planted, and i)laoe them in their position, with plenty of space 

 between each. 



Herbaceous ]>lants look well in groups arranged on carpets of Sedum, or 

 some other dwarf covering to the soil. Beds edged with such plants as 

 Arabis and others may be prepared and planted with shrubs or spring-flower- 

 ing plants. They should have the same care as to keeping as given to sum- 

 mer bedders. 



Rolling and sweeping will require much attention till all the loaves are ofT 

 the trees. Turfing, walk-turning, gravelling, and all such work, may have 

 attention when it can be done. All shrub-planting not completed this month 

 had better stand over till February and onwards. Evergreens do well till 

 April. They are then about to push into growth, and move on unchecked. 

 Avoid planting out of views or cutting up greensward. Curtailing lawns, 

 by cutting up the space into beds, is not uncommon, but very objectionable ; 

 and many places, large and small, are ruined by it. 



EOSE-GAKDEN. 



A long chapter might be written on Roses at this season, their general 

 treatment is so varied in certain localities : kinds which do well ia some 

 soils, may be seen in others half dead with mildew. But writing on these 

 difficulties to any extent will do no good to any one who does not cope with 

 them on the spot, and use legitimate means to secure the end in view. A 

 few general remarks, by way of remembrance, are offered. Roses require deej) 

 well cultivated soil : free drainage (natural or artificial). Rotten cow-manure 

 suits well where soil is light, as a general manuring or for mulching. Where 

 soil is heavy and tenacious, rotten horse-manure (being more open) is very 

 suitable. Where roots can run free unchecked, mildew is less formidable. 

 The plants consume much nutriment while in active growth, and liquid 

 manure tells wonderfully on their growth and flowers too ; but when stagnant 

 water harbours about them, in winter especially, they have a sorry appearance 

 during the summer. Now being a good time for planting, selections should 

 be made instead of collections. Roses are scarce this year, and very expen- 

 sive. Many good nurseries were almost cleared out last year. Pruning is a 

 matter for consideration, when the severest of the weather is past. Good 

 mulching is always of much service, both for protection and nutriment to the 

 plants. Those grafted or budded close to the roots of stocks should be 

 planted under the junction, and the mulching to fit closely to the collars. 

 Tea and other tender Roses are protected very simply by lifting them and 

 placing their roots safely in any light soil in frames or turf pits. Trained 

 Roses, of the tender kinds, can be easily protected by Fern or Spruce branches. 



rLANT-STRUCTUEES. 



Chrysanthemums will be gay to end of month. They then should be 

 hardened gradually for the supply of cuttings. Most plants date their success 

 from the cutting or seedling stage. Azaleas, Camellias, and some of the stock 



