40 



KIDD'S OWN JOURNAL. 



Cabbage. — The August-sown, which were 

 pricked out, may now be finally planted, and the 

 vacancies of the autumn-set should be made good, 

 if not previously done. 



Chives may be divided for increase. This 

 useful little plant will grow in any soil or situa- 

 tion, and does well planted as an edging to a 

 back walk ; it may be used for all purposes for 

 which Onions are, early in spring, when they can- 

 not be had. 



Onions may now be planted for seed ; draw a 

 drill about three inches deep for them, and set 

 them one foot apart. 



Peas. — If not put in, sow as recommended last 

 month, the first favorable opportunity; those 

 60wn will not be much later than the same kinds 

 sown in November, and exceed them in point of 

 crop. Draw the drills wide at the bottom, and 

 spread the seed regularly, which is better than 

 huddling them together in narrow drills ; this 

 should bo particularly attended to in sowing 

 Marrowfats and other branching kinds, which are 

 usually sown too thick. 



Kadishes. — Choose a dry and sheltered situa- 

 tion for a sowing of early Radishes. They must 

 be covered up from severe weather, lor which 

 Fern is the best material ; but any light litter 

 will do. They must be uncovered at every favor- 

 able opportunity. The Scarlet Short-top is the 

 best kind to be put in now, and a few Bath or 

 Green Egyptian Cos Lettuces may be sown at 

 the same time. 



Rhubarb and Sea-Kale may have an increase 

 of covering now, to cause their early growth. 

 Rhubarb should occupy a corner in every garden, 

 however limited ; and the cottager will find it use- 

 ful and wholesome for himself and children, from 

 its cooling properties. Independent of the cheap 

 pies and tarts which are made of the stalks, they 

 may be boiled and eaten with bread ; by blanch- 

 ing the stalks, which is readily done, they are not 

 only improved in flavor and come to perfection 

 earlier, but one-half the quantity only of sugar is 

 required. To accomplish this, it is but necessary 

 to exclude tho light. A large flower-pot or old 

 butter-firkin will do, or a few hazel-rods or rails 

 covered with fern or straw, or any similar means ; 

 as circumstances may dictate. If the crowns have 

 been mulched during winter, they will be for- 

 warded thereby. 



FRUIT. 



If new plantations of Strawberries were not 

 made in July or August, make them now. The 

 old beds should be cleaned, and have a top-dress- 

 ing of fresh soil and dung mixed. If in rows, 

 they should be dug between, and a little of the 

 fresh 6oil spread over the plants. For a small 

 garden, Keen'6 Seedlings and British Queens, in 

 four-feet beds, top-dressed as above, and renewed 

 every three years, will bo found the most produc- 

 tive. Prune and tie Raspberries, and make fresh 

 plantations. 



FLOWERS. 



In favorable weather, edging of various kind 

 may be planted, as Box, Thrift, Daisies, Pinks, 

 Polyanthus, and London Pride. Auriculas, Car- 

 nations, and other plants, should have free expo- 

 sure in mild weather. Ranunculus roots plant in 

 mild weather, in rich loamy soil ; draw neat drills 



about two inches deep (if planted in a bed), and 

 five inches apart ; choose the roots for having full, 

 prominent buds, in preference to size ; choose the 

 first week in the month, if possible ; and as in 

 their early state of growth they are extremely sus- 

 ceptible of frost, some covering should be given if 

 it occur. 



Roses. — Chinese kinds, and those of robust 

 growth, should now be pruned ; but do not shorten 

 strong-growing varieties much, except those shoots 

 intended to produce wood for next season. Roses 

 may also be planted, and the soil for them cannot 

 be too rich. 



Thorn or Privet hedges may be cut. 



NEW-YEAB/S-DAY. 



BY HELEN HETHERINGTON. 



Hark ! the bells, with merry peal, 

 Hail a happy New- Year' s-day ! 



Let our hearts respond with zeal, 

 Gratitude shall tune the lay. 



Cheerful voices we wall raise, 



And begin the year with Praise. 



Storms have visited the earth, 



Thunder, lightning, hail, and rain ; 



Threatening disease and dearth, 



And shipwrecks on the mighty main. 



Earthquakes, too, both far and near, 



Have made.the mighty quail with fear. 



God has shielded us from harm, 



Kindly led us on our way ; 

 Brought us with his powerful arm, 



To behold this " happy day." 

 We are spared, and living still, 

 To adore His holy will. 



Let us bless him for the past, 

 Mercy beams on every hand ; 



Verily " our lot is cast" 

 In a fair and pleasant land. 



Gracious favor has been shown, 



Countless mercies we have known. 



In this season of delight 



Let us think upon the poor ; 



Hope has made our spirits light, 

 God has bless'd our little store. 



Peace has banish'd angry strife, 



Mercy cheers the path of life. 



Hark ! the bells chime merrily, 

 Joy is floating in the wind ; 



May the gentle melody 



Waft its influence on the mind ! 



Bless the hearts we love to cheer, 



Crown us with a Happy Year ! 



DIARIES AND NOTE-BOOKS. 



It is a strange thing, says Bacon, that in sea 

 voyages, where there is nothing to be seen but 

 sky and sea, men should make diaries ; but in 

 land travel, wherein so much is to be observed, for 

 the most part they omit it, — as if chance were 

 fitter to be registered than observation ! Let dia- 

 ries, therefore, be brought into use. — Lord Bacon's 

 advice ought to be universally adopted now ; nor 

 have we any valid excuse for not adopting it. 



