552 THE GARDENER. [Dec. 



tice ; and when this work is well done the cuts cannot be seen. Clip- 

 -ping shrubs (except to form hedges, and it is bad for them) should be 

 avoided if possible. The taste for this has been long exploded. Hollies, 

 Standard and Pyramid Thorns, and most kinds of Conifera.', may be 

 helped by timely and judicious cutting : that is generally necessary 

 when the trees take to growing one-sided. Large naked Laurels, 

 both common and Portugal, should be cut well down, and they will 

 make a fine healthy growth. 



Let Eoses be planted in well-trenched ground well manured ; and a 

 few spadefuls of fresh loam placed with the plants as they are planted 

 will give them a vigorous start. Mulching is very important with all 

 Poses, but especially when they are newly planted. Teas and tender 

 kinds are better out of the ground during winter. They lift freely, 

 and can be transplanted when frost is past. Those trained to walls 

 and wires should not be left to the winds, and it is not judicious to 

 prune them at this season. Long shoots not required may be shortened 

 at present, but not cut close : a fresh lot of young shoots trained in 

 yearly keeps the trees always vigorous, and the flowers are finer. Some 

 kinds of the China class do not require short pruning, but to be thinned 

 out, and the sturdy well-ripened shoots left ; neither do all other Roses 

 require cutting back, but to be pruned according to growth, and strong- 

 growing shoots do admirably when pegged down. Bulbs are all the 

 better of protection in severe weather. Prepare Ranunculus beds by 

 well digging and manuring them, leaving them rough to frost for 

 the present. All planting of Tulips, Hyacinths, and Narcissus should 

 now be finished. Bulbs in pots may be taken into heat as required 

 and kept near the glass, giving plenty of air and light : a gentle bottom- 

 heat helps them to grow strong. They should be removed gradually 

 from heat to cool quarters. All shrubs for forcing, such as hardy 

 Azaleas, Kalmias, Thorns, Lilacs, Deutzias, Forsythias, Rhododendrons, 

 and suchlike, may be introduced freely into heat ; but strong heat may 

 ruin them for this season. Lily of the Valley, Violets, Roses, Pinks, 

 Dielytras, AVeigelia rosea. Spiraeas, and the usual favourites, may be 

 taken into heat in batches as they are wanted. Cinerarias in flower 

 will now require plenty of water, also fresh air ; and no stagnant mois- 

 ture must be confined about the plants. Let Chrysanthemums 

 going out of flower have shelter under glass ; keep them growing 

 strong to get good cuttings. Fuchsias done flowering may be kept 

 dry and free from frost. Young plants of them may be kept grow- 

 ing slowly, but in healthy quarters. Primulas which are liable to 

 rot at their collars must be carefully watered and be allowed plenty 

 of fresh air. Pelargoniums may be kept rather dry and rather cool. 

 Dry fresh air prevents spotting. Camellias in flower now require more 



