DECEMBER VILLA GARDENING 543 



must be used. Ventilation must be free. Rearrange the plants 

 weekly to keep up the interest, removing all flowers that are fading 

 and bring forward others just coming to their best. 



Stoye. — Tliis house should be gay now with winter flowers. 

 The atmosphere must be genial. Night temperature about 65°. 

 Keep a sharjD look-out for insects, especially mealy bug, which 

 must be destroyed if the plant-grower is to have peace of mind. 

 Amaryllis should be brought to the front as the flower spikes show 

 up. In a mixed collection the Crotons and other fine -leaved 

 plants should occupy the lightest position. 



Fernery. — This house will require no shade now. Plants 

 that are required for the rooms should be grown near the glass to 

 make the fronds hardy and lasting. The same treatment must be 

 given to Maiden-hairs and others required to furnish fronds for 

 bouquets, etc. Less water will be required now the days are short, 

 but all must have enough to keep the roots active. 



Orchids. — Many of the Dendrobiums, Cypripediums, and 

 Odontoglossums will be showing flowers. Maintain a genial atmo- 

 sphere, but keep down the fires as much as possible. Slugs and 

 snails often do a good deal of damage at this season in eating the 

 flower-buds before they expand. They are easily caught at night 

 when feeding by taking a light into the house. 



Vinery. — To have ripe Grapes in May the first house should 

 be started now. The Vine rods should be washed and dressed, 

 and all the paint and glass thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes the 

 first crop is taken from pot Vines and the permanent Vines eased. 

 Ripe Grapes may be cut, bottled, and placed in a dry cool room. 

 New Vine borders may be made now. 



Peaches. — Prune, clean, and train the trees in the early house. 

 See that the borders are moist. Add fresh turfy loam, if necessary. 

 A little artificial manure will be useful. Have the house and all 

 it contains made perfectly clean. 



Tomatoes and Cucumbers. — Steady progress is all that is 

 required at present. Not much forcing should be done till the 

 days get the turn. Keep down insects on the Cucumbers by 

 fumigation. Tomatoes are not much troubled with insects. Cri- 

 terion is the best variety for winter bearing. 



DECEMBER 



Flower G-arden and Shrubbery. — In open weather proceed 

 with planting trees and shrubs, laying turf, and making any neces- 

 sary alterations. Spring flowers and bidbs may be planted. Over- 



