JANUARY. 55 



To B. V. French, for Black Spanish melons, 



To N. Stetson, for melons, . . . . . 3 00 



To Josiah Stickney, for the same, . . . . 2 00 



To Galen Merriam, for the same, . . . . 1 00 



To A. D. Webber, for the same, . . . . 2 00 



To H. Bradlee, for the same, . . . . . 2 00 



For the Committee, Henry Bradlee, Chairman. 



#1 00 



FOR JANUARY. 

 FRUIT DEPARTMENT. 



December was a cold, dreary, and disagreeable month, more so than 

 any Decembet- we have experienced since 1851. The week, from the 18th 

 to 25th, was very severe, with the thermometer nearly down to zero every 

 morning, and not more than 10° or 15° above during any part of the day ; 

 in many parts of New England, falling from 10° to 25° below. Frost set 

 in so severely in the early part of the month, that all out-door work was at 

 once closed up for the season. 



With the advent of January we look for the usual thaw, and possibly 

 milder weather throughout. But whether moderately or severely cold, 

 preparations must soon commence for the year. It is useless to begin too 

 early, but towards the last of the month operations should be commenced 

 for making hotbeds to forward many things. The only work which can be 

 done to advantage now, in the open air, is pruning, which may be forward- 

 ed in all fine weather, when there is a great deal to do. 



Grape Vines in the earliest houses will now have advanced their shoots 

 two or three inches, and will need attention. Tie up carefully to the trel- 

 lis, and syringe occasionally, until they are nearly in flower. Gradually 

 increase the temperature, but do not force too rapidly. Vines in the 

 greenhouse will now be at rest, and if not cleaned and put in good order 

 attend to it at once, as they will begin to grow in February. Vines in pots 

 may be introduced into any house where there is room, and they will come 

 forward according to the temperature. 



Peach Trees in pots maybe introduced into the warm grapery or green- 

 house, where they will soon begin to grow. Prune, wash, and clean the 

 trees from all insects, as soon as they are brought into the house. 



Fig Trees in pots may be taken into the stove or grapery for an early 

 crop. 



Scions of fruit trees may be cut this month, and preserved in earth in a 

 cool cellar. 



Root Grafting apples or pears may be done now, placing them in 

 boxes of earth, until the season arrives for planting out in the open ground. 



