24 THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



and Currants for young plants, a stock of wliicli should be kept in some 

 corner on every place, as bushes are liable to die off occasionally. 

 When pruning is done, branches should not be left crossing each other, 

 but kept clear and upright — cutting out a portion of old wood to be 

 replaced by new. Always prune so that sun and air may have free 

 access to the fruit. 



Alterations may be carried forward in the pleasure-grounds when 

 weather will allow. Turf may be laid, Box and other edgings may be 

 repaired or made new, old shrubs grubbed out or cut down, if worth 

 leaving to spring again. Deciduous trees may be planted, but ever- 

 green shrubs may be left unplanted till they are about to start into 

 new growth in spring. Mulching and staking should have attention 

 with newly-planted shrubs. Level and gravel walks ; turn those where it 

 can be done. Leaves may be forked in over the roots of shrubs where 

 free growth is wanted, but the roots should not be injured. Cutting 

 of Laurels, Privet, &c., may be done when weather is severe. 



Let trees and shrubs have early attention after snow has fallen 

 heavily, otherwise much damage may be done if the trees are not shaken. 

 Every part of the grounds may be kept clean and orderly, and worm- 

 casts taken off. Waterings of lime-water will keep worms from 

 working, if it does not reach them to destroy them. Old wasted soil 

 may be removed from flower-beds, and turf added. The advantages 

 of deeply-trenched beds will be experienced in summer, if the weather 

 should be of either extremes of wet or drought. 



Bulbs may require protection — they will bloom all the better for it. 

 Roses may be planted and mulched; deep strong soil suits them. 

 Tender kinds require protection in severe weather. Secure a good 

 stock of Briers for budding on ; plant them in rows, to be ready when 

 the season arrives. Shrubs for forcing should be lifted some time be- 

 fore they are wanted, and kept under protection ; force them gently 

 at first, and whenever their buds begin to open, plenty of air must be 

 given. Camellias in flower require plenty of water — a close damp 

 atmosphere is against them when in bloom. Keep foliage sponged 

 with tepid Avater when necessary; dirt on plants should never be 

 tolerated. Hard-wooded plants must have fire-heat applied continu- 

 ously, and always have fresh air when it can be given with safety : a 

 temperature of 40^ is safe for greenhouse plants, — a damp stagnant 

 atmosphere would soon do much damage. Water at the root with 

 great care, giving enough when required, but dribbling the surfaces 

 will lead to ruin : drenchings of cold water at this season soon do mis- 

 chief. Use tepid water for all plants, and manure-water in a weak 

 state for Cinerarias in flower. Primulas in flower require plenty of 

 air ; a damp close atmosphere causes rotting at the neck. A portion 



