DECEMBER. 



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DECEMBER. 



companion plant to this is Eupko) bia jac- 

 quini&flora. For bouquet? vases, or 

 head-dresses, the flower of the euphorbia 

 is one of the finest in existence, consisting, 

 as it does, of a fine spike, 18 inches long, 

 which in itself forms a matchless wreath. 

 The brilliant effect of this plant among 

 begonias, ferns, and other things, must be 

 seen to be appreciated. Some late cala- 

 diums, grown for this purpose, will now be 

 intermixing their beautiful leaves with the 

 flower stems of Gesnera cinnabarina and 

 others. The bright red berries of Ardisia 

 crenulata will also be exhibiting themselves 

 in striking contrast with the shining green 

 leaves. 



Forcing pit. Keep up a growing tem- 

 perature of 550 to 60. Introduce fresh 

 batches of shrubs, roses, bulbs, and every- 

 thing that will flower early, to supply the 

 place of those drafted off for other service. 



Orchids. With these, rest should still 

 be the order of the day ; nevertheless, that 

 rest will be partially broken by the flower- 

 ing of some or all of the following plants, 

 namely, Phalcenopsis amabalis, or Butter- 

 fly plant, and several Oncidiums. Cymbi- 

 diums, Epidendrums, Cattleyas, Zygope- 

 talums, c. Maintain a temperature 

 ranging from 60 to 70, and avoid all 

 stimulating treatment. 



December. Kitchen Garden, 

 Work in. 



Alterations and Routine Work. This is 

 the best time to make any general altera- 

 tions. Where old bushes are to be grubbed 

 up, and the ground prepared for cropping, 

 or where young bush is to be planted, also 

 where drainage is necessary, now is a good 

 time to do it, before the winter rains make 

 a swamp of the garden. Set the edgings 

 and paths in order, and carefully remove 

 any accumulation of rubbish which is likely 

 to harlx^ur vermin. See to the tools or 

 implements, and ascertain that they are in 



good condition ; replace or repair any that 

 are broken ; never trust to just the right 

 number if any are not in good condition ; 

 keep them dry, and clean well before hang- 

 ing them up. 



Broccoli, &>c. Heads of Walcheren 

 broccoli should be cut when ready for use, 

 that they may not be injured by frost ; or, 

 when ready, they may be pulled up and 

 hung up, just as they are, in a cellar or 

 any place into which frost will not enter. 

 Cabbages, Scotch kale, or curly greens, 

 Savoys, Brussels sprouts, coleworts, &c., 

 should all be cut for kitchen purposes 

 when they are in an unfrozen state. If 

 cut when frozen, they should be plunged 

 into cold water and allowed to remain 

 there until all signs of frost and ice have 

 disappeared. It will now be seen what 

 advantage there is in giving the various 

 sorts of brassicas plenty of room, and also 

 giving them a place to themselves in a 

 clear open spot. Those planted among 

 other crops are shanky, and more exposed 

 to the frost, while those planted open are 

 short, firm, and stocky, and far more likely 

 to stand severe frost. Let this be con- 

 sidered in cropping next year. 



Celery. Cover with litter, if possible, 

 in frosty weather. It will be so much 

 better to take up, beside keeping it fresh 

 and uninjured. 



Composts, Manures, drv. Another thing 

 to attend to is proper composts and 

 manures. These may be collected on a 

 spare or vacant piece of ground in the 

 kitchen garden, where there will be plenty 

 of room to turn it over and mix, and where 

 all kinds of woody refuse can be collected 

 and charred and mixed with it. In frosty 

 weather, when the ground is hard, it should 

 be wheeled on to vacant ground. 



Digging, Dressing, and Trenching. 

 We are now in the dead of winter. Vege- 

 tation is at a standstill, and whatever seeds 

 or plants are put in the ground now will 



