558 
leaves or long dung. The pots may therefore 
be placed under a roof or in a frame. Start a 
batch at the end of the month in a temperature 
of 50° to 55°. 
DECEMBER. 
KITCHEN-GARDEN DEPARTMENT. 
In this month there are usually frosts severe 
enough to harden the ground, so that it is fit 
to be wheeled upon. Advantage should be) 
taken of that condition to distribute ernie | 
where it is wanted. Frost generally is bene- 
ficial; but, on the other hand, its injurious effects 
must be guarded against, especially when it is 
severe. | 
Collect all decaying substances in heaps for 
manure, and these may be turned when the 
ground, either from frost or wet, 1s not in a 
condition to be worked. These substances 
should be improved by having some slaked 
lime and soot incorporated with them, and by 
turning and mixing be brought into a state of 
fermentation before they are put on the ground. 
In wet weather diligently forward all work that 
can be done indoors, so that it may not be to 
do when the weather is fine. Pea-sticks cut 
before the sap rises are stronger, and not so 
apt to rot, as those cut after it begins to move. 
They should therefore be now brought in and 
prepared, sorting them into lengths to suit the 
respective heights to which the different kinds 
of Peas grow. Then tie them up in bundles 
that can be conveniently carried, and_ place 
them under cover, but where air may freely 
circulate, till they are required for use. In 
bad weather tallies should be prepared for 
painting, to be afterwards written with the 
names of seeds sown, or crops planted. 
Beans.—Draw earth to the stems of those a 
little above-ground to protect them. Another. 
sowing of early hardy kinds may be made. 
Celery.—F inally earth up on dry days; but if 
the soil is of a heavy nature, some that is light 
and dry should be put next to the plants, 
placing 1t against them with the hand. Pro- | 
tect from frost with straw or litter, which can | 
be removed when the weather is fine. 
Endive.—Continue to blanch in_ succession. 
Protect with flower-pots or otherwise; likewise 
take up some and plant in sheds or frames. 
Jerusalem Artichokes.—These may be taken 
up as required fresh out of the ground; but, in 
THE GARDENER’S ASSISTANT. 
case of frost, the latter should be covered ove 
with litter. 7 
Onions.—Pick over those that are housed. 
Keep them cool, but protect from frost. Potato 
Onions may be planted. . 
Parsley.—In case of frost, a portion of the 
bed should have a frame or other protection 
placed over it. 
Peas.— Draw some earth to those a little 
above-ground. Sow a succession. Guard 
against the attacks of mice. 
Harpy-FRvuIT DEPARTMENT. 
The planting of all sorts of fruit-trees recom- 
mended to be done last month, but not com- 
pleted, should be proceeded with as early as 
possible in this, provided the soil is in proper 
condition—that is to say, neither too wet nor 
frozen. Pieces of frozen crust, thrown in with 
the soil in planting, condense moisture, owing 
to their coldness, and form wet chilling masses 
even after being thawed. This kind of mois- 
ture, in contact with the roots, is unquestion- 
ably worse for them than that from drenching 
rains, 
Continue to trench and prepare ground for 
planting, and to make new borders where such 
are required, or renew old ones. This is also a 
good time to trench in advance of the roots of 
wall-trees that have commenced bearing, intro- 
ducing at the same time some new soil. Mulch 
newly-planted trees, and stake any likely to be 
shaken out of position by the wind. Continue 
to prune all sorts of fruit-trees, except Figs and 
Nuts. If the shoots of Peaches and Nectarines 
on an east or west aspect are green and im- 
mature, the pruning of them may be deferred 
till early in spring. Old trees, intended to be 
re-grafted, should now be headed back. Their 
branches should be sawn off almost close to 
the place where each can be most conveniently 
grafted. When Gooseberry and Currant trees 
are pruned, and the cuttings raked off, manure 
should be wheeled between the rows, and dug 
in; but in doing this the surface should be 
drawn clean away from near the stems, and 
buried in the middle of the space between the 
rows. 
Clean trees from moss. After wet weather 
their stems and the naked parts of branches 
can be easily scraped, scrubbed, and washed 
clean. | 
Nail wall-trees in favourable weather. See 
that no more nails are used than are absolutely 
required, and that they are driven not into the 
