264 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
It often occurs, that a great deal of the business of the culturist, usually regarded as spring- 
work, may be much more comfortably got through at this period than in the spring. Out-door 
operations chiefly can be better attended to, and if they can only be more comfortably performed 
now than hereafter, it is a great deal ; but when it is remembered the advantage of doing such work 
at this season does not stop here, it is something more ; and it does not, inasmuch as by attending 
to business in time, there is sure to be an opportunity of doing it well ; not only because it need 
not from necessity be gone through hurriedly, but also from the chance there is of working under 
advantages now that can hardly be expected to prevail in spring. 
A great deal of pruning may be done in the present month that is often left untouched till the 
spring, such as the pruning of all hardy shrubs, trees, and climbers ; any Roses whose flowering 
at a particular season is not an object of care, and other flowering shrubs, can be so operated 
upon. We do not wish to be understood as recommending everything in the way of pruning to 
be done now, nor at any one time, that could be done, as that would not be advisable, for reasons 
that have been more than once given, to which we beg to refer. Forking shrubbery and herba- 
ceous borders over, leaving them as rough as circumstances will permit, to enable the soil to be 
well mellowed by winter, should be practised. The roots of plants occupying these borders will 
experience no injury by the soil being disturbed and laid light for the winter, if care be taken that 
they are not mutilated. Indeed, the plants will be benefited and rendered the more secure from 
frost by its being done. 
In many places, fallen and falling leaves abound, and are troublesome : they should still be 
collected and preserved, to produce that valuable ingredient leaf-mould, and, in forming it, made 
serviceable as fermenting material to produce bottom-heat. 
All manner of ground work should be proceeded with ; and in making alterations where new 
and fresh soils are used, let economy be kept in view. Every remnant and all parings of turf 
should be preserved and find its way to the compost yard, there to get into a fit condition for the 
plant culturist. Now is the season for laying in a new stock of the various earths, and for 
examining the stores on hand, exposing them as much as possible to mellow, &c., if necessary. 
The flower-garden grounds and every place of resort ought continually to be kept in as good 
order as circumstances will enable them to be. Let the lawn and walks have attention to sweeping 
and rolling being practised upon them. Naked ground should be broken up, and exposed to 
influences that will improve its condition, which it may require. If a great extent of the latter 
exist, and is much open to view, a few evergreens might be studded over it, although winter 
decoration of the flower-garden may not be cared about. The protection of tender things will 
have attention in proportion as the things to be protected are valuable or not. Material for the 
purpose cannot be in too complete a state of readiness. Where shelter of a permanent character 
is required, it is best to make substantial provision for such, early and at once. Let planting 
have due attention ; this has been a fine season for pursuing it. 
Among plants in every structure, except the forcing-house or pit, quietness should be the 
order of the day. Use not a drop more water than is requisite, and remove everything removable 
that originates damp. Admit air to each of the collections as freely, and to as great an extent as 
can be done. This last direction should be in full force in the case of greenhouse and flower- 
garden plants. No opportunity of propagating scarce kinds of the latter should be lost. Keep 
them free from insects, dying leaves, &c., and stop soon enough shoots that happen to be growing 
and are not wanted for the purposes of increase. Any plants that should be growing — and it is 
more than probable there will be some in the stove or Orchid house — must have all the light that 
can be given them, sufficient moisture, warmth, &c. Be very cautious in the use of 
water among Orchids ; that element is a ready agent of destruction among this family at the 
present period. 
In the way of flowers, first have regard to those gems which come naturally at this season, to 
whatever families they belong, and take every care of by giving the plants a good position. 
Continue to carry out last calendar’s instructions in the case of the forcing-house. 
