| r | l^_ rpHE practical utility of our monthly Calendar has 

 pk J_ been alluded to during the past year by many of 



' our correspondents. Our readers are aware we cannot « 



enter fully into all the details of management of everything which 

 demands attention during the month in the various departments of 

 floriculture. Want of space compel us to condense all subjects, and 

 only to introduce those particular tribes of flowers, &c, that are tlie 

 most essential. We shall, however, give what is really necessary, and 

 make those remarks more as remembrances of what is to be attended 

 to than details of management, the latter being recorded in other parts 

 of the Magazine. 



The winter has hitherto been unusually mild ; but as sudden frosts 

 often occur, it is well to have materials for immediate use, wherewith to 

 protect tender plants out of doors. 



IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



Protect the heads of tender Roses, or other tender shrubs, trees, &c, 

 by tying a number of Yew, Spruce, Fern, or similar materials, amongst 

 and around the branches ; but whilst protection is given, do not have 

 them so close as to prevent a due circulation of air to the shoots, &c. 

 Roses and Hollyhocks should be planted as soon as possible. Newly- 

 planted shrubs should be secured, so that they may not be moved at the 

 roots by wind. Mulch over the roots of tender ones. Give fresh loam 

 to flower-beds, and manure, leaf-mould, &c, if necessary. Frost paves 

 the way to do it without damage to walks or lawn. 



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, 

 however, 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. Prepare compost for the former now. 



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 



