TO BE DONE IN THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 351 



up with furze, or baskets of wicker-work ; over which mats are thrown 

 in severe frosts, and straw, dead leaves, or moss are put over the roots of 

 those plants which are only a little tender. In the greenhouse the prin- 

 cipal points to be attended to are to keep the plants as dry as possible, in 

 order to give them a season of rest, and to remove all the decayed leaves 

 as soon as they appear. Air should also be admitted freely, whenever 

 the weather is sufficiently dry. It must be observed, that exotic plants 

 are as frequently killed by damp as cold ; and that no means should be 

 omitted of keeping the air of a greenhouse as dry as possible during 

 winter. The turf is mowed once during this month, if the weather 

 should be open ; and the gravel walks seldom require any attention. 



DECEMBER. 



If the weather should be open, the flower-beds planted in summer with 

 Stocks, Verbenas, &c., should be dug two spades deep, and dressed with 

 strong stable manure. In the greenhouse and pits, it may be observed, 

 that thick coverings of mats save a good deal of fire-heat ; and that care 

 should be taken to ventilate, by the admission of dry air, wherever it 

 is practicable. 



If the grass should continue growing, the turf may be mown once 

 during this month. The dead leaves should be swept into a heap, and 

 frequently turned over, watering if the weather should be dry, to hasten 

 their decay ; if thus treated, and sifted, they will make fine vegetable 

 mould for the ensuing summer. The refuse wood from trees, and dead 

 shrubs, &c., should be burnt for charcoal whenever there is an oppor- 

 tunity, and the charcoal kept in a dry place for use. The pots which 

 are not in use should be washed and wiped dry,, and then laid one in 

 another on their sides, but they should never be put one within another 

 when they stand erect, as the weight is almost sure to break the 

 lower pot. 



