OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
215 
LiNA RiA Pi'scis. Remarkable for its large flowers, which equal those of L. dalmatica, and 
for the extreme length of the spur, which is striated with purple on a pale yellow ground. The 
palate is deep yellow, inclining to orange. The form of the blossom, in its fancied resemblance 
to the shape of some kind of fish, seems to have suggested the specific name. Three or four, and 
sometimes five, smooth and rather glaucous leaves are disposed in whorls round the stem. The 
height rarely exceeds eighteen inches. We owe our knowledge of it to a plant flowering in 
Messrs. Henderson's Nursery. 
Pterodi'scus specio'sus. The attractive appearance of this plant will undoubtedly secure to 
it an ample share of public esteem. Whether we attach consequence to the beauteous form, 
the exquisitely soft colour, or the magnitude of the flowers, it casts itself before us with each of 
these qualities in a more than ordinary degree of superiority. T'he roots are somewhat similaz* 
to those of the bulbous Gesneras ; the stem and leaves are more like a Salpiglossis, and have a 
smell of musk. We have not seen it above a foot high, but think it probable that a stronger 
plant would grow taller. The flowers are large, similar in form to the Amphicbme arguta, but 
much larger and deeper-coloured, and are produced from near the top of the stem. 
OPEHATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
Whatever remarks may be offered in any calendar for the direction of monthly operations^ 
they will frequently demand much modification in practice, owing to the changeableness and 
uncertainty of our climate, and the great variety of local circumstances. These incidents will 
frequently render it advisable to defer attending to particular operations at the exact season 
recommended, and also to refer to the details for the guidance of a preceding month, and observe 
what has unavoidably or intentionally been omitted till a more suitable pei-iod. Much of what 
was said last month will apply with equal propriety to this, and in some individual cases may be 
more appropriately considered as the fit operations for October. 
That which usually demands a large amount of the culturist's care in this month, is the 
arrangement of plants in the situations which they are intended to occupy during the winter ; to 
provide protection equal to the requirements of each ; and to bring them into the most suitable 
state for enduring rigorous weather without receiving injury, and at the least expense. 
The most tender plants were recommended last month to be immediately removed to the 
greenhouse, or otherwise protected, in the event of frosty or stormy weather occurring. If there 
has hitherto been no occasion for doing this to any great extent, it must not, however, be post- 
poned any longer, for the uncertainty of the weather increases as the season advances. Verbenas, 
Calceolarias, Petunias, and the most part of the plants usually required for the flower-garden 
in summer should now have their pots examined, and then plunged to the rim in a frame 
amongst ashes or saw-dust, or some similar material, to keep them from parting too rapidly with 
their moisture, and thereby needing a more frequent application of water in the winter months. 
The bed in which they are plunged should be raised, so as only to leave a few inches between the 
tops of the plants and the glass, to give them all the benefit of the diminished intensity of 
the light, and also to place them in a better circulation of air. Both these conditions are of the 
utmost importance to the healthy preservation of plants through the dark dull days of winter. 
A more extensive provision may be reserved for the summer garden by storing away plants 
in Vineries and other unemployed houses not intended for forcing, always being careful to 
elevate them within a short distance of the roof. The more tender kinds, such as Heliotropes 
and Scarlet Pelargoniums, &c., are the most proper to place in the houses ; pits and frames 
usually being too damp for them. To make still more space, all deciduous plants and bulbs may 
be placed on shelves in a dry place. 
Many plants, such as the more tender species of Pines, whilst they require some protection, 
may yet be preserved in a more economical manner than by placing them in pits, A well- 
sheltei'ed, dry and airy corner should be selected, and the pots plunged in a bed of coal-ashes, 
covering them two or three inches deep. This will prevent cold from injuring their roots ; and 
