116 Extracts from the Joiirnals. [Jan., 



sorts would be smothered; but amarylli.f longifolia, from the Cape 

 of Good Hope, and arum dracunlus, from the south of Europe, 

 submit kindly to a depth of nine or ten inches, perfectly secure in 

 our heavy loams from frost. Other tender bulbs might be tried. 

 Accident has shown that the tulip and crown imperial — both suf- 

 ficiently hardy, however — \vill rise from a depth of more than one 

 foot without injury. 



But the depth may be temporarily increased by turning a sod 

 over them late in autumn, to be removed on the return of mild 

 weather; and in this way, I have successfully treated polyavthus 

 narcissus, which is rather impatient of much cold. Many other 

 plants from warmer climates may be protected in the same manner. 



Herbaceous evergreens require a lighter covering; for as they 

 continue sensitive through the winter, air and light should not be 

 entirely excluded. John Lowell thought that the branches of 

 evergreen, when used for protection, possessed a property pecu- 

 liarly conservative. Green moss, or chickweed, will answer as 

 well as the boughs of the hemlock; and treated in this way, the 

 auricula abides our severest seasons in safety. 



Towards the close of our long winters, we watch with eager- 

 ness for the first flowers of the spring; and derive as much plea- 

 sure from the modest snow-drop, crocus, or Siberian squill, as 

 from the gayest production of summer. Now it would be well to 

 remember that the bloom of these little favorites, may be hastened 

 by shallow planting. 



Permit me to mention another item, and I will detain you no 

 longer with floriculture. Sometimes we find it convenient to 

 transplant from the hot-bed or other place, in warm, dry weather; 

 and we should be sorry to see the plant wither. Well, this may 

 be easily prevented. Water it, if you please, and cover it with 

 a garden pot, having a hole in the bottom, to operate as a chim- 

 ney. The plant will remain fresh and vigorous in the hottest day 

 in summer. 



Away from cities, the comfort of families depends much on the 

 kitchen garden. The soil ought to be dry, rich and easily pul- 

 verized. In this district, it is generally a heavy loam; and other 

 means besides the plough, spade or hoe, should be used to subdue 

 its stubborn nature. In all cases, it should be well drained. All 

 surplus water, whether on the surface or below, should be led off. 

 Every tendency to baking or poaching should be prevented. 

 Some of you w^ell understand the benefit of ridsfinff the ground in 

 the fall, so that the coining frosts may pass in between the parti- 

 cles of every clod, and thrust them asunder; but many persons 

 have yet to learn that the sweepings of the blacksmith's shop, 

 chip dirt, and the old plaster from walls and ceilings — too often 



