32 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



width ; but till frost is over, the edges are likely to crumble, and may 

 be only trimmed in a temjiorary way till April. 



Laying of Box can be done any time between September and May 

 with every chance of success — that is, if all things are suitable to its 

 wellbeing. First of all, for Box, the line that is to be formed should be 

 well broken up with spade or pick, and freed of all stones likely to be 

 in the way. The soil is then well trodden down and made level by 

 adding or taking it off as may be necessary, and beating smooth with 

 the spade : the garden-line is then placed and pegged if necessary, a 

 neat cut is taken out along the mark made by the line, drawing the 

 soil to the path. Gravel, if any, should be taken from the edges to 

 keep it clear of soil, &c. The Box should be ready prepared, which 

 is separating it into small pieces, and trimming the tops and roots ; 

 it is then planted evenly, with the tops 1 inch or a little more above 

 the edge, keeping the plants in their place with the back of one hand, 

 and placing the soil with the other. The edgings should be made 

 firm by carefully treading the soil against the roots : clear away any 

 unnecessary earth, then replace the gravel, roll and finish it smoothly. 

 Stachys lanata. Lemon Thyme, &c., may be used with good efi'ect as 

 edgings. The former has a fine appearance in winter, and is easily 

 trimmed, but it requires poor soil to grow in. 



Hedges may be cleaned at the roots and trimmed : where repairs 

 are necessary, allow plenty of space for the young plants, and place 

 fresh healthy soil with their roots. Rose stocks, if they are required 

 for budding, may be placed where they are to remain all next 

 summer. Have all suckers taken clean from the roots, and plant them 

 so that any one can work freely among them. Pruning of Roses may 

 remain till February, March, or April, The later in the season, success 

 is the more certain. Ranunculus beds should be prepared by throwing 

 them up roughly, and well exposing the soil to frost and air. All 

 bulbs should have protection from severe frost. Hoops and mats 

 may be used to protect favourite Pinks or Pansies. Auriculas, 

 Carnations, and Picotees, wintered in frames or pits, must be kept 

 free from damp. Dryness at the root at this season is necessary, and 

 fresh air should be given on every favourable opportunity. Cloves 

 which may be wintering, attached to the stools of the old plants, 

 may have dry sand or fine coal-ashes, an inch thick, placed round and 

 among the layers. We often have them do better in this way than when 

 well cared for in frames, (fee. They lift nicely with balls in spring ; 

 and when planted with free healthy soil, they grow and flower 

 freely. Pots of cuttings will require careful attention while the 

 weather is dull and damp, keeping all bad leaves picked off", and the 

 surfaces clean and open. Washing the pots, if green, is very import- 



