DECKMBER. 575 



For the second best, to E. H. Rogers, Ravenswood, L. I., silver 

 cup, $S. 

 Dahlias. — For the best display, to M. Donadi, Astoria, silver cup, $15. 

 For the second best, to C. S. Bell, New York Orphan Asylum, silver 

 cup, #10. 

 Cut Flowers. — For the best display, to A. Bridgman, Broadway, silver 

 cup, $10. 

 Numerous other premiums were awarded in books, magazines, bronze 

 medals, &c. 



portitultiirEl Operations 



FOR DECEMBER. 

 FRUIT DEPARTMENT. 



The autumn throughout has been exceedingly mild, and November was 

 a favorable month for the completion of fall work. Scarcely 10° of frost 

 has been experienced, and there have been less storms of rain than usual at 

 this season. All who have planting to do can have no excuse for putting 

 off the work till spring. Ample time has been afforded to protect and pre- 

 pare all kinds of trees for the winter, and the gardener's attention may now 

 be turned to the in-door department, where he has such work under his 

 charge. 



Grape Vines in the earliest houses will now be swelling their buds and 

 should have the most careful attention both in regard to moisture and the 

 temperature of the house as well as the condition of the roots ; on the latter 

 depends the success of the crop. In all early forcing it is all-important 

 that the roots should be kept as warm as possible, and consequently a thick 

 covering of manure and hay or leaves is absolutely necessary. Vines in 

 the greenhouse now pruned and cleaned, will need no further care till Feb- 

 ruary. Vines in cold houses will need protection by covering with mats or 

 straw, out of injury from frost. 



Strawberry Beds, if not already protected by a covering of manure, 

 leaves or straw, should be attended to immediately. 



Raspberry Bushes should also be covered with a few shovels full of 

 soil or manure. 



Fruit Trees should now be well manured, which answers at the same 

 time as a protection to the roots from severe frosts ; if guano is to be applied, 

 now is a good time. 



Peach Trees and Grape Vines in pots intended for forcing in the 

 house should now be protected from severe frosts. 



Fruit will require attention ; keep the temperature of the room as even 

 as possible, from 35 to 45°, airing it on warm days. 



The Canker Worm Grub Avill yet be troublesome if the weather con- 

 tinues mild. Continue to tar the trees as long as the earth thaws during 

 the day. 



