239 
OPERATIONS FOR NOVEMBER. 
The amount of rain which had fallen in October, previous to this calendar being written, was 
sufficient to characterise the month as one rather remarkable for wet, and, what is of more con- 
sequence, sufficient to partially interfere with the operations of the season. If such a state of 
things should have continued to prevail, proceedings whose further advance much affects the 
removal or working of soil, will be well yet postponed, where postponement may already have 
been practised, if it can be done. In instances where it is purposed to accomplish numerous 
improvements, and in works of magnitude, it cannot ; but even in those cases nothing will be 
gained, but much mischief may be wrought, by disturbing to a great extent heavy adhesive earths, 
and especially planting in them. With such exceptions as these, as far as general planting is 
1 concerned, nothing can have been more propitious or favourable than the weather has proved, to 
the welfare of shrubs and trees removed, if not to the actual operation of removal, particularly to 
I large specimens. No opportunity of prosecuting transportation of the latter, or indeed planting 
of any description, nor, setting aside what hindrances may have arisen from causes such as above 
alluded to, should delay be at all discoverable, in pursuing any ground work. A reperusal of 
1 former papers, and calendral remarks relating to planting, may be advantageous at this season. 
Late rains will have been instrumental in directing attention to ill-formed walks, choked water- 
courses, badly or undrained ground ; it may be the shrubbery, the lawn, and possibly the parterre ; 
or the site of the mansion, or other dwelling ; that of glass-erections, and perhaps the locality in 
which some valuable shrub or tree is growing. Silent teaching, in some instances amounting to 
1 reproof, of this kind should not by any means pass unheeded. The value of good walks in our 
gardens is never better appreciated than at this invariably damp period of the year, for it often 
happens they are much resorted to, the weather usually continuing sufficiently mild to permit 
exercise in the open air to be extensively indulged in, and the well-arranged grounds still furnish 
much to interest and delight. Foremost of the latter is evergreen and variegated vegetation, the 
now ripening wild fruits, as that of Thorns , Hollies , Privet , the Strawberry-tree , &c. Of flowers, 
too, we may yet boast some which are furnished by our borders and shrubberies ; witness the 
last-mentioned shrub, the Laurustinus and Chrysanthemum. The existence of these, to invite 
inspection, is one of many reasons why the flower-garden and grounds should be kept in the best 
order practicable, by all leaves being continually gathered up, herbaceous plants cut down, climbers 
trimmed, and a general clearance of all rubbish effected, lawns and walks kept swept, and the 
latter rolled. 
Where circumstances demand it, climbers may be properly pruned and permanently secured 
for another year, care being taken that the material used in the latter operation is not of a kind 
to appear conspicuous, as thick ties of bast ; and in the case of shoots being fastened to a wall, 
“ shreds ” of various and glaring colours should be avoided. Shrubs, too, may be pruned, if 
necessary, and borders much exposed to view forked over, and made to look tidy. The straggling 
shoots of climbing and other Roses may be shortened, or finally pruned ; but it must be borne in 
mind, in doing so, that the operation affects the display of bloom in regard to the time it is 
produced ; early pruning causing earlier bloom, &c. 
That which is to form the winter and spring furniture of the parterre should henceforth be put 
in its place. Refer to preceding pages and volumes for what to employ for this purpose. Such 
things as are intended to be protected from frost must not be forgotten, but thought of by at least 
preparing protective material, and having it at hand. 
Tulips should be got in with all speed, the end of the month finding none unplanted. Hyacinths 
also, and in short most bulbs, whether intended to flower in pots or the open ground, will be 
materially injured if not forthwith planted. Auriculas, Carnations , Pinks , and such things, 
require to be kept quite clean, sheltered from excessive wet, but not by any means excited, and 
therefore fully exposed to all air. 
In plant-dwellings little active work is found to do ; no more water should be used in any than 
is positively nccesssay. The existence of a too wet order of things may be dispelled by gentle 
fires through the day, the house being thrown open. Admit air on all favourable occasions to 
