110 



JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 



[ February 10, 1S70. 



sashes, without rafters or anything of the sort, that covered 

 the earth pit extended over its front on to steep sloping gravel, 

 and thus no rain entered to' hasten decomposition. With the 

 exception of a few tree leaves, the chief material added in May 

 was a little grass and long dung from the stables. Many 

 places, even then, were comfortably warm. In a few days the 

 bed will be warm enough for the purpose for which I want it, 

 and will most likely be used for some temporary crop, and 

 then come in for a late crop of Potatoes under glass when it 

 has sunk enough to be sufficiently consolidated. I wish now, 

 though the wish is vain, that more tree leaves had been col- 

 lected before the frost came, as I have used up all I have, and 

 the ground is too hard to permit of raking more. 



I would soon, if I could, find a substitute for the leaves in 

 clearing off the withered grass in the park. Nothing is better 

 for a mild, lasting, genial heat. There is no use in wasting it 

 much to sweeten it. Many years ago I dipped into it largely, 

 being encouraged to cut it rather high with a scythe early in 

 the morning and bring it home. I never had better, more last- 

 ing hotbeds. I can recollect gathering fine Melons in April 

 with such help under shallow frames. I have scarcely been able 

 to equal this when I had hot water in pits instead. 



Notwithstanding the attendant litter of dung beds and 

 frames, I personally never wish to be altogether without them, 

 as when that day came I fear that there would be a consider- 

 able falling off in the kitchen and flower gardens, and there 

 would be some ten or more crops crying out for manure, and 

 manure could only be obtained for one or two. 



Though I can quite sympathise with the feelings of a late 

 correspondent in his dislike to all littery protection, as far as 

 neatness is concerned, it must not be forgotten that when much 

 is done it is after all most economical at first, and comes into 

 use as manure at last, for already we have had frosts that it 

 would have taken triple mats, or more if thin, to keep out, and 

 other coverings, though excellent for going against glass, would 

 yet require to be doubled or trebled in extreme cases when no 

 heat was given. 'Where expense is no object, there can be no 

 question as respects neatness. So far as that goes, double 

 sashes would also be a great security in cold winters, more 

 especially if the air between were enclosed and not moving. 

 — R. F. 



NOTES AND GLEANINGS. 



We are authorised to state that the Chief Commissioner of 

 Works has no intention of abolishing the Gardening in the 

 Public Parks, and that all rumours to the contrary are un- 

 founded. We need only say we are glad to hear it. 



WORK FOR THE WEEK. 



KITCHEN GAKDEN. 



Continue trenching and otherwise preparing the ground for 

 receiving spring crops. Make plantations of Cabbages that 

 were pricked out in beds in autumn. Sow a bed of Brussels 

 Sprouts for early planting ; this is a most useful vegetable, and 

 may be had six months in the year. Sow also a pan of Celery 

 for early use. Pot Cauliflower plants which have stood in cold 

 pits or under hand-glasses ; for this purpose use a light, sharp 

 soil, as the object is to cause the production of an abundance 

 of young healthy roots ready to feed the plants when finally 

 planted-out, as it is well known that plants make more roots 

 in poor than in rich soil. Continue to sow succession crops 

 of Peas and Beam, and prepare ground for the principal crop 

 of Onions. Look over seed Potatoes, and where space can be 

 obtained, lay them out thinly on shelves, or the dry floor of a 

 shed, where they will make strong, healthy buds, that will 

 contrast favourably with the weak straw-like stems they emit 

 when allowed to lie in heaps. Sow successional crops of 

 Radishes and Lettuces, and Spinach between the rows of Peas. 



FRUIT GARDEN. 



Where nets or bunting cannot be procured for protecting the 

 blossom of Peach and Apricot trees, suspend from the top of 

 the wall to the bottom of the trees, a number of straw or hay 

 ropes, made with a few projecting loose straws ; dry fern, or 

 spruce branches may be nailed over the branches of the trees 

 with advantage. Cuntinue pruning and nailing as before 

 directed. 



FLOWER GARDEN. 



Continue to make the necessary preparations for clumps or 

 masses, by sweetening or renewing the soil. Plant-out bien- 

 nials in masses, where requisite, in borders; the arrangement 



of perennials had better stand over until they begin to bud in 

 March. Lose no time in finishing the plasting of trees and 

 shrubs. If severe weather occurs, means must be adopted to 

 protect Tulips, Auriculas, &c It must, however, be per- 

 fectly understood, that I do not advise smothering them. Air 

 must be given to plants in frames whenever an opportunity 

 occurs. Should the sun shine brightly after a severe frost, 

 keep the mats and coverings on, at the same time tilting the 

 lights. It will be requisite to put small quantities of fresh 

 bran under the tiles in Auricula frames, the tiles being raised 

 from the ground at the corners by small pebble*- ; on these the 

 pots may be placed, so that no room may be lost by these most 

 effective slug traps. As prevention is better than cure, I would 

 advise amateurs to clear their frames of these vermin by this 

 simple plan. At this season mice are very apt to be mis- 

 chievous among Polyanthuses kept in frames, by eating the 

 hearts of the plants ; when detected a small quantity of phos- 

 phoric poison will prove an effectual remedy. When the 

 weather is sufficiently fine, lose no time in planting Ranun- 

 culuses. These beautiful flowers delight in a cool subsoil ; 

 they have been grown in splendid style on a layer of fresh cow 

 manure placed about 18 inches below the roots, the bed being 

 filled up with maiden turfy loam and sand. Seed may now be 

 sown in pans or boxes, the compost, decayed leaves and sand, 

 having been well watered the night before; on this the seed 

 may be scattered somewhat thickly, pressing it rather gently 

 on the surface ; cover it very slightly, and place over the sur- 

 face fresh moss, which is gradually removed as the seeds emit 

 roots. It will soon be time to put Carnations and Picotees 

 in their blooming pots. If a proper quantity of compost is not 

 prepared, lose no time in mixing it, at the same time keeping 

 a vigilant look-out for all injurious insects. Do not let a 

 frosty day pass without giving it a turn over, the trouble will 

 be amply repaid by the excellent state of the soil. Continue 

 to put Dahlia tuberB into heat. 



GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY. 



Still pursue steadily the directions with regard to tempe- 

 rature, itc, laid down previously. Slight advances in heat 

 may be made on bright days, but if cloudy skies intervene, 

 revert immediately to decreased temperature, and let humidity 

 proceed in the same ratio. Climbers may be looked over in 

 the conservatory, and if an early display of their beauties is re- 

 quired, some of the irregular wood may be pruned away forth- 

 with. Passifloras and others may receive this treatment, but 

 permanent plants, as Acacias, &c, will, of course, point out 

 of themselves an exception. Those who are growers of the 

 families of Epaeiis, Correa, Leschenaultia, and Polygala, will 

 soon enjoy a treat in these charming tribes. Frequent intro- 

 ductions, and frequent removals, are the order of the day here. 

 Camellias require at this time abundance of water. Keep a sharp 

 eye to Ericas, Epacris, &c, that are potbound. Some of these 

 will require liberal watering. The winter has been so favour- 

 able for greenhouse plants, rendering little fuel necessary, that 

 those who have been impressed with the importance of avoiding 

 strong fires in plant houses, will find their account in the 

 superior health of their stock. Increase warmth on sunny after- 

 noons for a couple of hours, but let the thermometer sink again 

 at night to 45° or 50°. See that all insects are eradicated before 

 the growing season begins, and elean or sponge away all fungus 

 or dirt of any kind from the leaves of plants. Remember that 

 all extraneous matter is very prejudicial to the welfare of 

 plants ; thorough cleanliness holds equally good as regards 

 plants and animals. Keep all stock neatly tied up, and dress 

 climbers. Tropreolums growing should be constantly attended 

 to. Shift some forward Pelargoniums into their final pots, and 

 stake them out if intended for specimens of high cultivation ; 

 remove weak or crowded shoots, and secure a thorough cir- 

 culation of air without draught. Apply water freely to those 

 plants which have been potted long enough for the roots to 

 reach the sides of the pots, and as Boon as the bloom shows 

 begin to apply diluted clear tepid manure water, which will 

 maintain health and beauty, and produce flowers of fine shape 

 and colour. 



STOVE. 



Let all increase of heat take place on bright days, chiefly 

 early in the afternoon, and then accompanied with a somewhat 

 moist air. Have a number of Gloxinias repotted and placed in 

 bottom heat, using for compost heath soil, loam, charcoal, and 

 sand, the whole in a fibrous state. Stove climbers on trellises, 

 in pots or tubs, that require to be shifted soon, should be cut- 

 in previously to fine fresh buds, preparatory to disrooting or 

 shifting. Attend to the shifting of the Amaryllis tribe where 



