DECEMBER 185 



DECEMBER 



THE best advice we can give now is, that a look-out should be 

 kept for heavy rain and sharp frost, that the losses they entail may 

 be reduced to a minimum. Let the work be ordered with reference 

 to the weather, that there may be no ' poaching ' on wet ground, 

 or absurd conflict with frost for doing what should have been done 

 on halcyon days. In fine weather and during hard frost wheel out 

 manure ; and as long as the ground can be dug without waste of 

 labour, proceed to open trenches, make drains, and mend walks, for 

 these are the times for improving, and the place must be very perfect 

 which affords no work for winter weather. Dispose of all rubbish by 

 the simple process of putting it in trenches when preparing plots for 

 early seeds. In sheds and outhouses many tasks may be found to 

 keep the hands employed, such as making large substantial tallies for 

 the garden; the little paltry things commonly used being simply de- 

 lusive, for they are generally missing when wanted, from their liability 

 to be trodden into the ground or kicked anywhere by a heedless foot. 

 Make ready pea-sticks, stakes of sizes, and at odd times gather up 

 all the dry stuff that is adapted for a grand * smother.' A careful fore- 

 casting of the next year's cropping will show that even now many 

 preparations may be made to increase the chances of success. 



WARM BORDER to be prepared for early work by digging and 

 manuring. All the refuse turf and leaf-mould from the potting-shed 

 and the soil knocked out of pots may be usefully disposed of by 

 adding it to this border, which cannot be too light or too rich, and 

 a good dressing of manure will give it strength to perform its duties. 



BEANS to be earthed up for protection and support. 



CELERY to be earthed up for the last time. In case of severe 

 weather, have protecting material at hand in the shape of dry litter 

 or mats. Pea-sticks make a capital foundation on which to throw 

 long litter, mats &c. for quickly covering Celery, the protection 

 being as quickly removed when the frost is over, and costing next to 

 nothing. 



ENDIVE will be valued now, and must be blanched as required. 

 Place a few in frames and other protected spots ; even if in the 

 unused corners of sheds and outhouses, they may be safer than out 

 of doors. 



