264 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
THE LILY TRIBE (lILIACE^). 
Tulip. Duchess of Kent. This is a good flower, quite pure at the base and of 
very firm texture ; grows sufficiently high for a third row flower, and in size, 
certainly is rather above the general dimensions of the family. The prevailing 
colour of the petals is white, except the margins which are prettily feathered with 
dark purple ; and the centre is, as it were by accident, yet with regularity blotched 
with a something paler purple colour. Flor. Mag.^ 13. 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
At this season of the year it appears necessary, perhaps something more than 
at any other, to call the attention of those having the management of plants, to a 
few particular points, essential to be observed by them in the discharge of that 
duty ; such embrace the medium of temperature most advisable to be kept in the 
different houses appropriated to the growth of plants, and which must be regulated 
according as the plants therein require. The greenhouse in fine weather^ — that is 
to say when there is no frost — should have a free admission of air by means of the 
back ventilators, and the thermometer kept about 45° ; and in the night, even when 
fire is required to expel frost, not more than 40*' Fahrenheit. 
The Dry Stove, or House, containing succulents, &c., should now be kept 
unusually dry, and the thermometer in the day from 45° to 50°, and in the night 
should not be permitted to fall below the former point. 
The moist stove, containing OrcMdece and other tropical plants, should now 
have less water, and consequently less air, than usual ; in the day the thermometer 
should average 65°, and the night from 55° to 60°, but not lower. 
Chrysanthemums now in full flower, should be freely supplied with water and 
air when the weather will allow. 
Dahlia roots taken up, and undergoing the necessary preliminaries before 
storing, should be cleaned, that is, all large balls of soil should be taken from 
amongst the tubers, and well dried ; the latter process must be gradual, or they will 
be likely to rot. 
Frame plants give air to when the weather will allow, but safely secure 
from frost. 
Hyacinths, &c., in the forcing house, should now be well attended to ; give 
them plenty of water and light, introduce fresh ones, in order to maintain a 
succession. ^ 
Pinks, Carnations, Roses, Rhododendron, &c., should, if desired to 
flower early, be introduced to the forcing-house. 
Polyanthuses, &c., must be well secured from frost; still on fine days have 
plenty of air. 
