OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
215 
i Lilium, varieties. Amongst an extensive collection of seedling Liliuras reared by Mr. 
■oom, of Clapham Rise, from seed of L. atrosanguineum fertilized with L. hulhifevum^ we 
ticed some time ago many very handsome flowers of a rich crimson fleckered with large dark 
)tches. The height of the plants varies from about six to eighteen inches. We were 
rticularly struck with their magnificent appearance growing in beds of considerable extent, 
. d planted rather closely. Their richly-coloured flowers and dwarf habit, render them well 
ited for planting in large masses on rockwork, or here and there upon the outskirts of a 
! rubbery. 
OPERATIONS FOR OCTOBER. 
' The general aspect of the garden now begins to indicate the near approach of winter. Most 
1 the splendid flowers that have spread out their beauties through the summer months, if not 
:'eady disfigured by frost, will be beginning to fade. The leaves of the foi’est trees are never 
ore lovely in their brightest green than now that they are fading, and each assuming tints 
culiar to itself. 
I The present time, therefore, will be the most appropriate for observing the effects of planta- 
ins already formed, and acquiring ideas for the formation of new ones. Each kind of tree 
list be noticed, and how the tints of its foliage harmonise or contrast with the foliage of those 
ound it. This method will be found eminently serviceable, and will prove in the end much 
ore satisfactory, than planting without any previous examination of the effect produced by 
rtain intermixtures. 
A similar examination should also be extended to the flower-plots, if that work was not 
' tended to in September. It is now somewhat late ; nevertheless, some idea may yet be formed 
om the remnants of summer beauty which still exist. The best way is to have a plan of the 
iwer-beds sketched upon paper, and to make all the arrangements for planting each bed the 
cceeding season, whilst the effect created by last year’s arrangements are still visible. Hence 
I will be easier to correct anything that appears objectionable, and to judge what would be the 
feet of any alterations that may suggest themselves, than if the revision be delayed till spring. 
Contemplated alterations in any part of the garden should also be determined upon now, and 
lactly noted down ; and they may be proceeded with as soon as leisure permits. Works of this 
nd should never be passed over till the spring months, when so many operations are crowding 
)on the attention. Besides, if completed early, the marks of them will be so mueh the sooner 
iliterated. 
All the beds should be cleared that contain tender plants, which are now either quite 
jstroyed, or so far decayed as to be no longer objects of beauty ; unless, as in the case of the 
ahlia, where the tubers are unripe, when the tops, if at all living, may be suffered to stand at 
ast another month, to assist in their maturation. 
! But although it is time to clear the beds of those plants which have been their ornament in 
I'.mmer and autumn, we by no means intend that the beds should be left unadorned through the 
, inter. Immediately after they are cleared, and the soil has been newly pointed over, fresh 
ants should be brought from the reserve ground to lend some attraction through the winter, 
iiese must of course be dwarf-growing, and very hardy evergreen shrubs, such as the Vaccinium 
ideea, Berberis aquifolium, Minorca Box, and dwarf Heaths. For a more copious list and 
I her information upon the winter decoration of the flower-garden, the reader is referred to 
|0l. xi. p. 252. 
I It is frequently difficult to procure stakes for tying up plants, in sufficient abundance. Hence 
is the more needful to be careful to prevent them from decaying. As soon as they are no 
nger wanted in the ground they should be taken up, cleaned, and carefully laid by in some dry 
led. It is a good plan to char the bottoms before they are stuck into the ground — it will pre- 
rve them from rotting. 
