HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 283 



gradually lessened. The temperature, also, is better gradually lowered a 

 few degrees, and they should be allowed more light than usual. The pe- 

 riod when they are about completing their growth is the most critical, as 

 any check at this time, spoils the prospects of much blossom for next sea- 

 son. .Those which flower from the young growth, as Catleya, Laelia, 

 Broughtonia, &c, will require their moisture and heat rather increased 

 than otherwise till after their flowering. Vandas Angraecums, Sac- 

 colabiums, and other strong rooting aerial kinds, will require con- 

 stant humidity until it is evident from the points of their roots, that 

 they desire to stop growing. I am often asked "how often orchids re- 

 quire to be syringed?". If the situation in which they are growing be fa- 

 vorable, that is retains in its atmosphere a regular humidity, they will re- 

 quire very little attention ; in many cases not requiring the syringe once a 

 week. Where this cannot be eifected the syringe must be oftener applied, 

 as a rule I think no better one could be offered, than to syringe orchids 

 just so much as will barely keep moss attached to- their block and baskets 

 green and growing. The real terrestrial orchids will require no moisture 

 at all after they have completed their growths, until they show signs of 

 pushing again. Care against checks in temperature and humidity, is one of 

 the secrets of successful orchid growing. Those which are at rest do well 

 in a temperature of 60 at the lowest. Those which are growing well should 

 be kept at about 80. 



Vegetable Gakdex— Celery frequently gets injured by being earthed 

 up for blanching too much ; the soil should never be allowed to get in the 

 hearts. Turnips for the main crop are better sown this month than earlier; 

 being less liable to become pithy, and keeping to a later period in the spring. 

 Endive will be ready for blanching — the best way is to put over each plant 

 an inverted flower pot with the hole stop'd up, doing a few every week to 

 keep up a succession. They do pretty well tied up with string like a Cos 

 Lettuce. Spinage should be sown in a warm, dry and rich soil; when the 

 ground becomes slightly frozen, if a light covering of straw be thrown over 

 to protect it from the sun, it will come in very early in spring. Radishes 

 late in the month may be sown in a spot, where, on the approach of frost, 

 they may be protected by a frame. They can be had this way in fine order 

 till Christmas. Lettuce for spring and winter use, may be sown in a bed 

 ready for planting out. The green and Brown Hammers with are the 

 hardiest ; where slight protection can be afforded, the Drumhead, or the 

 Butter, will be preferable. Early Dutch Cauliflower and Walcheren Broco- 

 li, are staples in all good gardens. The latter is nearly hardy if kept from 

 bright sun. It i3 a few weeks later than the Cauliflower in coming into use. 



