288 MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 



FLORICULTURAL CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER. 



Plant Stove. — Roses, Honeysuckles, Jasmines, Persian Lilacs, Azaleas, 

 Rhododendrons, Carnations, Pinks, Primroses, Mignonette, Stocks, Aconites, 

 Persian Irises, Crocuses, &c, required to bloom from January, should be brought 

 in early in the present month. The plauls should be placed at first in the coolest 

 part of the house ; never allow them to want water. Pots or boxes containing 

 bulbous-rooted floweringplants, as Hyacinths, Narcissus, Persian Irises, Crocuses, 

 &c, should occasionally be introduced, so as to have a succession of bloom. 



As many of the Orchidacefe begin to require potting, we cannot too strongly 

 recommend the use of Spagnum for some kinds; those we have found lo thrive 

 in it beyond our expectations are Brassias, Stanhopeas, Cirrhseas, Gongoras, 

 Acroperas, and others of similar habit ; those with pendent flowers are placed 

 in wire baskets and suspended, as they then show their flowers to more advan- 

 tage. Continue to keep bard-wooded plants as dormant as possible. 



Greenhouse. — As much fire as will barely keep out frost will be necessary, 

 and for the purpose of drying up dam]) arising from foggy nights, or from 

 watering. All possible air should be admitted in the day-time, but mind to 

 keep the plants from damage of frost. Chrysanthemums will require a very 

 free supply of air, and a good supply of water. By the end of the month many 

 will be going out of bloom ; such should be cut down ; and if any kind be scarce, 

 the stalks may be cut in shoit lengths, and be struck in heat. Always cut the 

 lower end of the cutting close under the joint. If greenhouse plants require 

 watering or syiinging over the tops, let it be done on the morning of a clear 

 daj', when air can be admitted ; and towards evening a gentle fiie-heat should 

 be given. 



Flower Garden. — Be careful to protect beds of what are technically called 

 '' Florists' flowers," should severe weather occur. Calceolarias that were cut 

 down ami re-potted last month will require attention. Not to water too much, 

 or they will damp off. Keep them in a cool and airy part of the greenhouse or 

 pit. Whilst in a cool and moist atmosphere, the shoots will often push at the 

 underside numerous rootlets. Where such are produced, the shoots should be 

 taken off and potted ; they make fine plants for next season, and are easier pro- 

 pagated now than at any other season. Protect ihe stems of tender climbing 

 Roses, and other kinds, by tying a covering of furze over them, that whilst it 

 fully protects admits sufficiency of air for the well being of the plant. 



Auriculas and Polyanthuses will require plenty of air in fine weather, and but 

 little water. The like attention will be required to Carnations, Pinks, &c, kept 

 in pots. Dahlia roots should be looked over, to see if any are moulding or likely 

 to damage. Let the roots be dry before they are laid in heaps. Newly planted 

 shrubs should be secured, so that they are not loosened by the wind. The pots 

 of Carnations and Pieotees should be placed in a situation where they may have 

 a Free air, and be raised above the ground. If they are under a glass-case, it 

 will be much better than when exposed to the wet and severity of the winter, or 

 many will in all probability be destroyed. Where it is desirable to leave patches 

 of border-flowers undistributed, reduce them to a suitable size by cutting them 

 round with a sharp spade. When it is wished to have a vigorous specimen, it 

 is requisite to leave a portion thus undisturbed. Ten-week Stocks and Migno- 

 nette, in pots for blooming early next spring, to adorn a room or greenhouse, 

 must not be over watered, and be kept tree from frost. A cool frame, well 

 secured by soil or ashes at the sides, and plenty of mats or reeds to cover at night, 

 will answer well. Tender evergreens, newly planted, would he benefited by a 

 little mulch of any kind being laid over the roots. During hard frosts, if ad- 

 ditional soil be required for flower-beds upon grass lawns, advantage should be 

 taken to have it conveyed at that time, so that the turf be not injured by wheel- 

 ing. Pits or beds for forcing Roses, &c, should be preparedearly in the month. 

 Tan or leaves are most suitable, unless there be the advantage of hot water or 

 steam. New planted shrubs of the tender kinds should have their roots pro- 

 tected by laying some mulch, &c. Suckers of Roses, &c, should now be taken 

 off, and replanted for making bushes, or put in nursery rows; soils for compost 

 should now le obtained. Beds of Hyacinths, Tulips, &c, should have occa- 

 sional protection. Any roots not planted may successfully be dune in dry mild 

 weather till February. 



