352 
CALENDAR OF OPEEATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
considers this a variety of the S. tibicinis of Mr. Bate- 
man's splendid work on the " Orchidese of Mexico and 
Guatemala ; " hut it would, perhaps, be more correct to 
consider it the perfect state of the plant, such as it 
assumes in its native woods (Honduras), and such as 
good cultivated specimens exhibit in our stoves. The 
natives use the hollow stems or pseudo-bulbs as a horn 
or trumpet. These stems harbour insects, too, in great 
numbers. Mr. Bateman tells us that " Mr. Skinner, its 
original discoverer, was not permitted to obtain quiet 
possession of the first flowering specimens he saw; for 
swarms of fiery ants issued forth in thousands from their 
snug retreat to repel the spoiler, and inflicted pangs 
which none but the most ardent naturalist would have 
braved." This is rather a slow-growing epiphyte, 
requiring the temperature of a warm Orchid house. — 
Bot. Mag., 4476. 
Stanhopea tricornis. a very remarkable species. 
sent to Mr. Skinner by Mr. Waresiewitz, at one of 
whose sales it has been dispersed. The figure of the 
lip is most remarkable, there being a third horn at the 
base of the middle lobe of the lip, in addition to the two 
always present at the side. The petals are said to be 
pink, and the rest of the flower white ; the petals, more- 
over, are very fleshy, firm, and apparently incapable of 
rolling back as the rest of the genus. It is a native of 
the western coast of Peru. — Jour.Hort. /Soc , vol. iv., 263. 
Vagaria parviflora. a tender bulbous plant, 
received from Bogota by C. B. Warner, Esq., and by him 
presented to the Horticultural Society in October, 1847. 
The scape, which bears an umbel of about five flowers, 
is the same height as the leaves. The flowers are small, 
and white with a greenish tube. The plant forms a neat, 
but not very showy object; it requires the protection of 
the greenhouse, and the same treatment as that given to 
Amaryllis. — Jour. Hort. Soc, vol. iv., 298, 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DEPARTMENT. 
Glass. 
Grapes still hanging on the vines must be kept free 
from damp and mould ; this is accomplished by a free 
circulation of air ; and a little fire being supplied in the 
daytime in damp or very dark weather. Vines in pots 
or tubs, which were brought in last month, will now be 
breaking, deal very gently in point of heat, and take care 
that the atmosphere is not too dry. 
Kidney Beans may be planted in pots about the end 
for the first crop, place then in warm situations near the 
glass. 
Mushroom Beds in sheds must now have a good 
share of attention, so as to keep the beds in a succes- 
•sional bearing state all through the winter. 
Pines will now seldom require watering, through this 
month at least ; in other respects, follow the directions 
given in the two previous months. 
Strawberries in pots should at the end be intro- 
duced into the forcing houses for an early crop ; but 
more fruit is secured from those which are not started 
until the end of January. 
Sea Kale, Asparagus, Rhubarb, &c., should also 
be coming on for use about Christmas. 
Vines which have lost their leaves, and the wood is 
ripened, should be pruned, and when the old coarse bark 
is removed, should be dressed with a mixture of fresh 
lime and water laid on with a painter's brush. 
Open Air, 
Prune, trench, collect composts, wheel manures, 
mulch, and get every thing as far as possible for spring. 
FLOWER DEPARTMENT. 
Glass. 
Conservatory and Greenhouse. The various kinds 
of winter flowering plants will now make a very fine 
display, as Camellias, Plumbagos, Epacrises, Indigofera 
decora. Chrysanthemums, and many other kinds ; if a 
little clear liquid manure was occasionally supplied, it 
would be an advantage. With respect to general treat- 
ment, little need be added to what was said last month. 
If the weather prove severe, give a little fire, but refrain 
from this unless there ia a real necessity, for all New 
Holland plants, and the greater part of the Cape shrubs, 
suff"er from its use. 
Stove and Orchid-house. In this department, 
several good things will be in bloom. Euphorbia jac- 
quiniflora, Poinsettia, three or four kinds of Gesnera, 
Ixora coccinea, and other species ; every thing which is 
now sinking into repose, as Achimenes, Gloxinias, 
Erythrinas, Clerodendrons, &c., &c., should have every 
assistance by withholding water, and removing to cooler 
situations. In the Orchid-house take care of drip, and 
give a moderate temperature to all species at rest ; any 
making their growths, or flowering, must be supplied 
with the requisites for those states. 
Forcing Pit. Introduce Azaleas, Daphnes, Hya- 
cinths, Honeysuckles, Kalmias, Narcissi, Persian Lilacs, 
Rhododendrons, Rhodoras, Sweet-briars, Roses, Tulips, 
and many other things, at once into a moderate heat, 
and their flowers will begin to expand shortly after 
Christmas. 
Cold Pit. Protect in these structures all kinds of 
half hardy stock for flower garden purposes next year. 
Keep them free from dampness, either of foliage or 
atmosphere, be very moderate in the supply of water 
to the soil, and see that all are well drained. There is 
nothing more conducive to the well-being of the whole 
than a free circulation of air, and general cleanliness. 
Open A ir. 
Trim all plants on the borders ; protect every thing 
which requires it with mats, and place a quantity of 
dry porous material over the roots of plants rather 
tender; if any rather tender plants become frozen, 
either in-doors or out, do not allow them to thaw sud- 
denly ; the more gradual this is efi^ected the better, as 
the tender vessels are replete with frozen water, any 
violent change will produce a rupture, which will be 
fatal to the branches, if not to the plants themselves. 
In bad weather prepare composts in the sheds, make 
labels, prepare sticks and trellises, clean plants, and keep 
every thing in-doors in order. 
FOREST DEPARTMENT. 
Planting may proceed as rapidly as possible, and as 
soon as this is completed, pruning and thinning will 
succeed. See that all the drains are open and in good 
condition. 
