/an.] FRAMING. 17 



at all times ready for use, the whole in regular heaps, 

 and kept free from weeds. Having given these brief 

 outlines of a flower garden, we now proceed to give 

 monthly directions for planting and keeping the same in 

 order. 



JANUARY. 



IF the covering of the beds of choice bulbs, herbaceous 

 plants, or tender shrubs, has been neglected last month, let 

 it be done forthwith. The season is now precarious and 

 delays are dangerous. For particular directions, see De- 

 cember. Any bulbous roots that have been kept out of the 

 ground should be planted immediately, according to direc- 

 tions in October. Some writers have recommended keep- 

 ing some of the bulbs until this month, in order to have a 

 continued succession. Experience will prove the ineffi- 

 cacy of the plan, and will satisfactorily show that the dif- 

 ference is almost imperceptible, while the flowers are very 

 inferior and much degenerated; and in place of having 

 " a long-continued succession of bloom," there appear, 

 along with your finest specimens, very imperfect flowers, 

 calculated to discourage the admirers of these " gaudy" 

 decoratives of our flower gardens. Whereas, every art 

 employed should be to the advancement and perfection of 

 nature. 



OF FRAMING, &c. 



The plants and roots that are in frames, should be pro- 

 tected with straw mats and boards, and the frame surround- 

 ed with litter, or leaves, or, what is more advisable, banked 

 with turf the former being a harbour for mice and other 

 vermin. For full directions, see December. Under this 

 head the plants, such as Auriculas, Polyanthus, Daisies, 

 Carnations, Pinks, Pentstemons, Campanula pyrami- 

 dalis, Double rocket, Double stock, or Stockgillys, Double 

 2* 



