D ^- 



DURING the past year we have received many testi- 

 ^ . monials to the practical utility of our Monthly , , 



^ Calendar. Want of space compels us to condense the f ' 



subjects. We shall however endeavour to give what is really neces- 

 sary, on every occasion, and to make the future more valuable than 

 the past, as improvements in cultivation are successively discovered. 



The winter has hitherto been very favourable, but the frosts that 

 have occurred came very suddenly, and have been intense for tiie short 

 period they endured. It is therefore essential that protection should 

 be at hand for all tender plants out of doors; but in mild weather take 

 off such coverings as can conveniently be done, in order to dispel 

 damp, &c. 



IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



Any heads of Standard or Climbing Roses, of the tender kinds, or 

 other tender shrubs, trees, &c., should be protected ; this is best done 

 by tying a number of Furze, Yew, or similar branches in, amongst, or 

 over the branches. Sufficient protection is thus afforded, and yet a 

 necessary portion of air is admitted to the shoots. All newly-planted 

 Shrubs, &c., should be made secure from being loosened by the wind, 

 and that no space is opened around the stem. Tender ones should have 

 a little mulch, dry leaves, or fern over the roots, or around the stems. 

 Collect leaves to rot, also tui-f, peat, manure, &c. Give fresh loam, 

 or manure to flower beds ; laying it upon them in frosty weather saves 

 the cutting up of walks or turf by barrows. 



Florist's Flowers. — Auriculas and Polyanthuses should only be 

 kept just moist (not wet), and" be just preserved from frost. If the 

 embryo flower be affected by frost, it is always injurious ; give air, 

 hoAvever, on every likely occasion. Most Auricula and Polyanthus 

 growers sow seed early this month (see Articles in former volumes as 

 to method). Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks in pots, require to have 

 air freely, but water very sparingly. Protect them from continued 

 excess of rain. 



Pinks and Pansies in beds having had a thin layer of light sod 

 around the beds, require little more attention now than seeing that the 

 lateral branches are secured by pegs, so as to secure them from injury 

 by wind ; and if it comes on very severe, place a flower-pot over each, 

 taking care to remove them on the first favourable change. Fir or 

 Yew branches, a foot or so high, pricked round the bed, is an excellent 

 protection from wind : and a few stuck in among the plants is useful 

 in severe weather. A sprinkling of soot over the bed tends to preserve 

 the Pinks from rabbits and snails. Pansies in pots should be uncovered 

 in mild weather, so that they may receive the benefit of free air and 



