DEC.] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 599 



a motion in the air beneath the border. After a long continuance of 

 rain, the plugs in the flues in front are taken out, thereby creating a 

 great circulation of air, and thus, to a vast extent, accelerating the 

 proper drying of the borders, which is deemed of much importance. 

 In the winter season, the borders are covered with leaves and stable 

 manure, to the depth of twelve inches. It is obvious that the whole 

 aim of the constructor of this border was to do that which experi- 

 ence shows to be so very important. He not only got rid of super- 

 fluous water, but he introduced air in abundance, and, at the same 

 time, the natural warmth which it carries with it. The result was, 

 Black Hamburg Grapes, weighing from two pounds nine ounces to 

 five pounds a bunch beautiful fruit, of admirable quality, on vines 

 just seven years old. 



The experiments with concreting vine border were all made with 

 the same end in view the elevation of the temperature of the soil 

 in which vine roots are formed ; this is found to be of great import- 

 ance. 



DECEMBEK. 



WORK TO BE DONE IN THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 



This is very frequently one of the most severe of our winter 

 months, and every judicious gardener will be well provided against 

 its rigor by having all his frames lined around as directed in Novem- 

 ber, and being well supplied with the necessary mats and other cover- 

 ing. If this provision be neglected, he may be taken, as it were, by 

 surprise, and in one or two nights lose a great number of valuable 

 plants. 



Should the weather prove mild, and the ground continue open in 

 the beginning of the month, which seldom happens in the middle or 

 eastern States, you may complete any work recommended to be done 

 in November, and then unavoidably omitted ; such as dressing aspa- 

 ragus and artichoke beds, taking up and putting into a state of pre- 

 servation, cabbages, turnips, parsneps, carrots, beets, celery, endive, 

 cardoons, salsafy, scorzonera, &c. But the many chances that are 

 against your being able to accomplish this work in December, ought 

 to induce you to double your diligence in November, and complete 

 everything in due season. 



CAULIFLOWEE AND CABBAGE PLANTS. 



Every mild day observe to uncover your cauliflower plants which 

 are under frames and glasses, that they may enjoy the free air, other- 

 wise they will draw up and become weak : constantly pick off all de- 

 cayed leaves, which, if suffered to remain on, would be very injurious 



