498 THE GARDENER. . [Nov. 



required for hot-beds. Walks may be coated with gravel, and kept 

 smooth and firm. All improvements in the grounds, such as tree- 

 lifting, shrub-planting, &c., may have attention now. When shrub- 

 planting is done, it is a bad practice to give heavy soakings of water 

 at this season, or treading heavy soil very firm to the roots when 

 weather is wet. A good mulching over the roots after the soil has 

 been carefully placed among and round them, will keep them safe 

 from frost and drought if a dry season should prevail. It is necessary 

 to keep all trees and shrubs from being shaken by wind till they 

 get hold of the fresh soil. Clear off all dead plants from flower-beds, 

 but while the foliage is green they will cover the earth ; but if shrubs, 

 ornamental Kales, bulbs, foliage plants, or annuals are to fill the beds, 

 a clearance should be made at once. Cleanliness and order is very 

 important during the dark days of winter. Plant Roses on good 

 ground well trenched and manured. Place fresh loam with each plant 

 as they are put into the ground and mulch them ; branches stuck 

 among the plants will help to protect them. Straw or hay ropes 

 placed round Standards, especially near the union of bud and stock, is 

 a good old system for keeping out severe frost. All choice Carnations, 

 Pansies, Polyanthuses, Auriculas, &c., growing in pots are the better 

 of being protected with a frame, &c. All bulbs should be planted as 

 early as possible. Place red-lead over Crocus roots to keep mice in 

 check. Keep all plants for forcing, however hardy, plunged in ashes. 

 Shelter under glass is advantageous. Get a number of each kind into 

 a gentle warmth. Lily of the Valley, early Hyacinths, Azaleas, Violets, 

 and the usual favourites often referred to, will now claim attention ; 

 hard forcing often causes growth of foliage but no flowers. Let every 

 plant which frost will injure be placed in safe quarters. Dahlias 

 should be dry and safe. Chrysanthemums coming into flower may be 

 assisted with manure-water ; they should be kept well aired, free from a 

 stagnant atmosphere. When watering is done, let no unnecessary water 

 be spilt ; dry up floors with a mop. A little fire-heat will be beneficial. 

 High temperatures are not desirable. Greenhouse plants do well 

 with 45°, and a rise with sun-heat. Stove-plants are safe at 55° as a 

 night temperature. M. T. 



FLORIST FLOWERS. 



THE TULIP (tULIPA GESNERIANa). 



In structural completeness the Tulip may be considered a masterpiece 

 of finished simplicity — a plant of imposing bearing, were it only green 

 instead of being the most gaudy of Nature's painted cups, stamped with 

 colours of intense and polished brilliancy. Justly was it entitled to the 



