263 
OPEHATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
This month, like its immediate predecessor, is almost invariably fraught with 
danger to the more select objects of the cultivator's solicitude. In continued frosty 
weather, the least experienced will feel no uncertainty as to the treatment to be 
followed, and there is scarcely a remote probability of damage accruing, except 
quite fortuitously. But when the external temperature is constantly fluctuating 
between mildness and severity, the atmosphere being also completely saturated 
with moisture, the whole art and talent of the gardener are necessary to avert the 
impending evil. 
During the entire winter season, or rather from the beginning of November to the 
end of the following March, the two great agents whose operation upon plants is to be 
dreaded, and which, when likely to be carried beyond certain limits, must be 
promptly checked, are cold and water. Any further allusion to the former of these 
might appear trite, as its effects are so speedily and distinctly palpable, that they 
cannot be disregarded. To a few hints on moisture, however, the same objection 
cannot apply ; and we are particularly anxious to attract public attention to this 
point. 
If it be philosophically true as a moral axiom, that a treacherous and insidious 
acquaintance is more to be suspected and feared than a candid, deliberate, avowed 
enemy ; it is no less correct that water is more dangerous to plants in winter 
than frost, because its bad consequences are less evident. We wish we could 
perceive, amongst all cultivators, the result of a full conviction of this simple fact. 
Much moisture at this season, v/hether it be in the form of vapour or water, 
occasions both positive and indirect injury. Its prejudicial influence is positive, 
inasmuch as it causes the destruction of the leaves, stems, and roots of all plants, 
in which those members are in a susceptible or succulent condition ; and indirect, 
as afi*ording the sole means through which frost can act. 
To obviate the occurrence of too much dampness in any plant structure, fire 
heat is very seldom necessary, if suflicient attention is given to watering, and the 
state of the atmosphere. No water whatever should be supplied unless the soil 
be quite dry, and then only in very moderate quantities ; nor should air at any 
time be admitted, save when tolerably free from moisture : but gentle, drjdng 
winds that are not too cold, should be allowed the freest possible circulation, as 
these are productive of incalculable benefit. 
While touching on the subject of ventilation, it may be observed that the 
practice of crowding the evergreen or succulent kinds of plants together in a small 
space, as is generally done at this period of the year, is extremely injudicious and 
hurtful. It tends greatly to the condensation and collection of moisture about 
them, and obstructs that thorough circulation of air which is so essential to preserve 
