KOV.] FLOWER-GARDEN. 557 



during that season in an inactive state. Having in the Flower-Gar- 

 den for October, given ample instructions for the performance of this 

 work, I refer you thereto, in order to avqid unnecessary repetition. 



Protecting Tulip, Hyacinth, Anemone, and Ranunculus roots. 



As it is not unfrequent in the eastern and middle states, for hard 

 frost to set in towards the latter end of this month, you should pre- 

 vious thereto, lay a good lining of fresh tanners bark, horse dung, 

 leaves of trees, or dry straw, round the outsides of the beds contain- 

 ing your choice hyacinths, anemones and ranunculuses; this should 

 be quite as high as the upper parts of the surrounding frames, and 

 of a sufficient body to keep the frost effectually from penetrating j;i 

 at the sides, &c. Tulips will only require to lay a light covering of 

 any kind over and around the beds, such as straw, fern, leaves, &c. 

 iar although the frost will not kill the roots, yet by slightly protect- 

 ing them therefrom, the flowers will blow much stronger and more 

 perfect than they otherwise would. 



Hyacinths, though very hardy, will also be greatly improved in 

 their flowers, by protecting the bulbs in winter from severe frosts, 

 which may be affected by laying boards and mats over the frames in 

 which the finest sorts are planted ; but these should be taken off 

 every mild day, or when the sun is so powerful as to prevent an 

 accumulation of frost in the beds. The less valuable, and common 

 sorts, may be protected as directed for tulips ; any kind of light cover- 

 ing will be of use, and indeed they often flower very well without it. 



Two inches deep of one or two years old tanner's bark, if laid 

 over your beds of tulips, hyacinths, polyanthus-narcissus, Set. in the 

 open ground, will afford the roots considerable protection ; but be 

 cautious not to use for this purpose, new or fresh tan from the 

 vats, as the astringent juice thereof would work down to the roots, 

 and do them much more injury than the entire omission of cover- 

 ing, or of affording them any manner of protection. 



Ranunculuses and anemones being much more tender than tulips 

 or hyacinths, will require in severe frost, a good effectual covering 

 of glasses, mats, and boards ; or in default of glasses, mats and 

 boards only, or any other suitable protection. This covering is to be 

 supported by the frames surrounding the beds wherein the roots 

 are planted, and it must be taken off every mild day, while there is 

 po danger of the beds accumulating frost, in order to ventilate and 

 sufficiently air the plants that are up, so that they may neither be 

 drawn too much, the foliage turn yellow, nor the roots become 

 mouldy. But particular care must be taken to place the covering 

 on again, as soon as the day becomes cold and before the beds begin 

 to freeze. The ranunculuses are somewhat more tender than the 

 anemones, and will require a proportional protection. 



Planting -various kinds of Bulbous and Tuberous Flower Roots. 



You may still continue to plant the various kinds of bulbous and 

 tuberous flower-roots, as directed in page 533, but the earlier in the 

 tnonth that you can get this accomplished, the better. 



