Horticultural Operations for January. 47 



To J. S. Amory, for okra, . . . . . $3 00 



To Mrs. Cole, for Seedling potatoes, Nos. 14, 15 and 23, as 

 recommended by Committee of 1851, . . . 4 00 



For the Committee, Hexrt Braidlee, Chairman. 



HORTICULTURAL OPERATIONS 



FOR JANUARY. 

 rRUIT DEPARTMENT. 



The month of December has been unusually mild, admitting of the com- 

 pletion of all fall work, and forwarding much that is ordinarily delayed till 

 spring. With the exception of two or three days, it has been more like 

 April than December. The frost is now (26th) quite out of the ground. 

 How long it will continue thus is uncertain ; but as two cold winters rarely 

 follow each other, we predict open and mild weather. The sun is now 

 advancing towards us ; the days are longer, and the nights shorter ; and as 

 very light fires have been required to keep up the temperature of the 

 houses, forcing may be begun earlier and with greater success than usual. 



Grape Vines in the earliest houses will now be about breaking their 

 eyes. The temperature should not be raised too rapidly, as this would 

 injure their future well doing. Syringe freely till the flower-buds are con- 

 Bpicuous. Later houses will not require any attention till next month, 

 other than to have the vines washed and put in order, if not already done. 

 Grafting may be done now, where it is desirable to introduce better kinds 

 in the place of poor ones. 



Peaches in pots should be placed in a cool cellar, or under some tem- 

 porary shelter, M'here the temperature will not be likely to injure the buds. 

 A cold vinery is a good place. They may be introduced into the green- 

 house or forcing house the first of February. Prune, wash, and put in 

 good order beforehand. 



Figs should be pruned, washed, and put in order for an early growth. 



Scions of fruit trees may now be cut ; preserving them in a cool place 

 by inserting their lower ends in earth, sand or moss. 



Cuttings of currants, gooseberries, quinces, &c., may now be made, and 

 preserved for spring planting in the same way as scions. It save» a deal 

 of valuable time in March or April. 



flower department. 



The mild weather thus far has been favorable to the health, growth and 

 condition of all in-door plants. No strong fires having been required, Ihcy 

 may now, with a brighter sun, be allowed more heat, and brought on more 

 rapidly than last month. 



January is the time to bring on plants for the spring campaign. Let 

 every preparation be made now ; it will save hurry in March and April. 



