448 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



DECEMBER. 



There is seavcely any tliiiif^ to be done in the fruit-gavvioii 

 this month, that cannot be done, with equal propriety, cither 

 the preceding montli, or in tlie two subsequent months ; we 

 would, therefore, advise a speedy fulfilment of the directions 

 laid down for last month and in January. This may be called 

 tUe dead time of the year. However, neatness and regularity 

 should ever be before the eyes of the gardener, who wishes to 

 excel. In this month, when the weather will permit, all spare 

 ground in the fiiiit-garden, which is not under crop, should be 

 trenched, where the roots of the trees will admit of it; and 

 where not, it should be rou^di dug. Pruning of every tree 

 should be forwarded v.ith all diligence; and where grounds or 

 borders are in want of renewing, preparatory to being new 

 planted, that work should be gone on with. The clearing of 

 fruit-trees of moss and insects, as far as the latter can be 

 effected, should occupy a share of his attention. In the com- 

 post-yard, much is to be done in turning over compost heaps, 

 and in bringing in fresh matter for forming others. Indeed, 

 this' is one of the most useful employments of the gardener in 

 winter, and one that is more neglected than any other. 

 Wherever alterations are going on, on the manor, in the park, 

 or by the sides of turnpike, or other roads, the gardener is 

 most likely to find materials which will be either in their na- 

 tural state highly useful to him for his fruit-tree borders, or 

 by preparations, by adding manure or other materials, to cor- 

 rect the lightness or stiffness of such matter to a proper tex- 

 ture, to be afterwards allowed to prepare for a year, and 

 during that time frequently turned over and well incorporated. 

 Such })reparations are of all the most useful for producing fine 

 fruit and healthy trees, and should be collected in quantities, 

 according to the size and circumstances of the place. In all 

 places, the gardener should be allowed a horse or two, for the 

 sole use of the garden ; by such regulation much will be done 

 that otherwise would be left undone, and no employment can 

 be of so much consequence as the collection of materials for 

 compounds; and this cannot be done if the means be not 

 allowed him. 



