FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 287 



Dutch bulbs, &c., may be successfully planted this month, (See 

 articles on best mode of the culture of each, in former numbers of the 

 Cabinet.) Many persons who take a delight in growing some showy 

 Hyacinths or otlier bulbous plants, for adorning a room or window, 

 &c., in winter or early in spring, have been frequently disappointed by 

 the abortiveness of some and weakness of others. This principally 

 arises from the inability of the plant to develop itself witli a rapidity 

 equal to the quantity of moisture it imbibes, on account of its upper 

 surface being acted upon too immediately by the atmosphere, &c. ; 

 hence arises the necessity of covering the bulb. That such is a fact is 

 evidenced by tlie admirable and certain success of nearly every bulb, 

 especially Hyacinths, that is covered with about six inches of old 

 spent bark. This or some similar light material should always be 

 used. Even bulbs intended to bloom in glasses we prefer starting in 

 the old bark, and then transferring them to the glasses when the shoots 

 are about two inches long. Where such covering is not adopted, it is 

 of advantage to have the pots or glasses kept in a dark place till the 

 shoots are two or three inches lonsr. 



Plants of some of the Chrj'santhemums that are grown in pots and 

 taken into the greenhouae will be found to have pushed a number of 

 suckers. If the offsets are wanted for the increase of the kind, it is 

 advisable to pinch off the tops, so as to prevent their exhausting the 

 plant, to the weakening of the flower. If the flower-buds are thinned 

 out freely, it conduces to the increased size of those left. If the offsets 

 are not wanted, it is best to pull up the suckers entire. Attention will 

 be required to watering, as the roots absorb much, if given ; give 

 manure water occasionally. If the plant is allowed to wither, it checks 

 the flowers, whether in bud or expanded. So much do we admire this 

 handsome genus of flowers, that we are fully persuaded their beautiful 

 blossoms, exhibited in form and colour, will most amply repay for any 

 labour that may be bestowed on the plants. 



Shrubs, &c., for Winter Bloom.— Such as are to bloom early 

 should be gradually prepared, potted immediately, if required, and by 

 the middle of the month introduce such as are desired to bloom by 

 Christmas into the house or pit. The kinds which are well deserving 

 such attention are Koses, Honeysuckles, Jasmines, Azaleas, Kalmias, 

 Persian Lilacs, Andromedas, Carnations, Pinks, of which Anne Boleyn 

 is the best, Rhododendrons, Rhodora, Deufzias, Ribes, Spirea prunifolia, 

 Mezereuni, Gardenias, Cupheas, Heliotropes (the new blue is fine), 

 Scarlet Pelargoniums, Cactus, Eranthemums, Justicias, Salvia, Ges- 

 nereas, Corraeas, Chinese Primrose, Aconites, j\Iignonette, Primroses, 

 Cinerarias, Stocks, Persian Iris, Crocus, Cyclamens, Sweet Violets, 

 Hyacinths, Lily of the Valley, &c. 



In the final arrangement of the stock of plants in winter quarters, 

 guard against crowding it ; drawn stock is not endured in these days ; 

 it is far better to throw a portion entirely away tiian to spoil superior 

 specimens. Much of second-rate character, which requires another 

 season's growth, may be preserved in good dry i)its, at least until the 

 middle of December, when, if very hard weather occurs, they may 

 have a ciiance of removal, perhaps, to some of the other structures, 



