264 
OPERATIONS FOE DECEMBER. 
December being a dark and wet, or frosty and snowy month, the management of all plant- 
houses must be regulated accordingly. Thorough cleanliness at this time of the year especially 
is indispensable, and, if anything, more particularly in cold pits and frames, where fire is not used. 
Light, too, is greatly diminished ; therefore, so arrange the plants as to obstruct as little of it as 
possible. If plants are crowded close together, whether they are inhabitants of the greenhouse or 
stove, no judicious potting or care, however great, can retain them in health and vigour, if the air 
and light cannot penetrate freely through and around them. When crowded they are seen to 
make efforts to reach the light, and thus become what practical men call drawn ; and not unfre- 
quently the leaves and more tender branches rot, and the plants thus become disfigured. 
Stove plants, for the most part, have now perfected their growth ; although in a promiscuous 
collection some are now just commencing to grow, and others are coming into flower ; but such 
as are in a proper condition should be brought into a state of rest, This is done by introducing 
them into a cooler and more genial atmosphere, where they will receive no excitement. Orchids 
which have perfected their growth, are also brought into repose by the same means — a lower 
and somewhat dry temperature, by withholding water from the roots, by entirely dispensing with 
syringing, by diminishing the amount of atmospheric moisture, and by admitting a larger amount 
of air than usual, thus lowering the temperature. All shade, too, may be removed, and any plants 
hanging in baskets near the glass, should be hung a little lower, that they may not be subjected 
to the vicissitudes of the weather outside. All the species which are still in a state of growth, 
must have every facility afforded them for perfecting their various developments. 
The greenhouse and conservatory are now both very gay, and where there is a sufficiency of 
Camellias, this display can be prolonged throughout the whole of the dreary months of winter. 
Corrceas, Epacrises, Polygalas, Pimeleas, Acacias, and many other plants, will now be coming 
successively into bloom ; administer water with care, and do not wet the leaves of any plants 
more than necessary at this season. Keep also a mild and genial atmosphere, about 50 
degrees by day, with plenty of air, and descending to about 40 degrees by night. Bulbous and 
tuberous-rooted plants, as Amaryllis, Oxalis, Laclienalia, &c, now awaking from their repose, 
should receive a moderate supply of water, and be repotted and prepared for growth and flowering. 
The stock of plants in pits and frames for bedding out in spring, must come in for their share 
of attention. They should be kept perfectly clean and free from dead leaves, and be so arranged 
that light and air can pass freely amongst them, and keep them as hardy and airy as possible ; if 
the pots were plunged to the rim in saw-dust or coal-ashes, the necessity of often watering would be 
obviated ; but this is by no means indispensable, provided they have a nice dry surface of coal- 
ashes on which to stand. In severe nights cover securely with mats or litter, to protect the plants 
from injury. 
Pits used for forcing flowers, if not heated by hot-water apparatus, should now be filled with 
fallen oak leaves, and if a portion of well-worked manure be mixed through, the leaves will be 
brought into immediate action. Over this bed of leaves lay a few inches of sifted rotten tan. 
Bulbs for forcing should be successively introduced in small quantities, and be plunged over head 
in the tan ; no water will then be required to be given until after they are above the surface. 
Bring in also Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Lilacs, Roses, and Sweet Briars. 
In the sheds, look over the Dahlias which were taken up and dried ; stow them away and 
see that they are properly labelled. 
In the open air, remove any decayed or decaying vegetation, as leaves, stems of perennial 
plants, &c, and throw them on the rubbish-heap to form vegetable mould. All ground unoccupied 
dig or fork up roughly, that it may be fully exposed to the action of the weather. Never rake 
ground or render it smooth in winter, for it is sure to unite and become sodden. Insects are also 
destroyed by rough digging ; for although they are not often injured by frosts, yet their eggs, &c, 
are brought to the surface and exposed to insect-eating birds, which in winter search narrowly into 
every nook and crevice. 
