90 THE FLOWER GARDEN COMPANION. 



ART. 2. January. 



In this month, little can be done in the flower department, 

 except in the green-house, and taking care of plants in rooms, 

 which I shall notice in their separate places. However, if 

 the weather proves changeable, which is often the case, the 

 coverings of the plants are liable to be misplaced by the wind, 

 and other causes ; therefore it is proper to look over the gar- 

 den, to see that all is in due order, particularly if Carnations, 

 and such like, are covered. 



Plants in frames, also, as the Carnation, Auricula, Poly- 

 anthus, and the like, may be looked over, and kept in order, 

 by taking away any dead leaves or filth that may be collected 

 in them; and if mice, rats, or other vermin, have made 

 any depredations, they should, if possible, be destroyed. 

 If the weather proves mild, which is sometimes the case in 

 this month, the glasses may be taken off in the middle of the 

 day, and closed at night ; care must be taken that they are 

 not left open through the night, and the plants frozen, which 

 is often the case. See Garden Frames. 



ART. 3. February. 



In this month, like the preceding, little can be done to 

 advantage in the garden, except where any forest trees are 

 to be pruned, or cut down, which may be done to a good 

 purpose, and much forward the business of the flower 

 garden in the coming spring; the frames should be attended 

 to, as previously directed, and the garden should often be 

 looked over, to see that the covering, and the like, is in due 

 order. 



In the south-western states, the business of the flower gar- 

 den will commence this month, and the rules laid down for 

 March will answer precisely the purpose, and the same 

 transfer may be carried through the seasons. 



