OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
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Niphcea obl6nga. — This name has been applied to a valuable herbaceous plant, 
introduced by Mr. Hartweg to the gardens of the Horticultural Society, and there 
bloomed, in conjunction with the beautiful new Achimenes , during the whole of the 
autumn. It does not grow higher than from three to six inches, and throws out 
its elegant white flowers after the manner of a Gloxinia , in constant succession. 
It will be a great acquisition to our stoves. 
OncIdium ornithorynchum ; var. O . ornithorynchum — is one of the most 
charming species of the genus, and particularly useful for flowering in the months 
of November and December. Messrs. Rollisson are just flowering a pleasing 
variety, in which all the colours are very much darker than those of the original 
kind. 
OPERATIONS FOR DECEMBER. 
Pruning, manuring, digging, planting, and ground work of all the kinds 
included in the laying out or alteration of a garden, should be performed at the 
present season, where the duties of last month were so urgent as to prevent some of 
these being properly attended to. As the weather is generally very variable, it may 
be well to state what sort of days are most favourable for effecting the different 
operations. 
During severe frosts, no description of tree or shrub ought to be primed ; because, 
as the wounded part would thus be exposed to a greater degree of cold than it is 
capable of enduring, the tissue of that portion of the shoot where the cut occurs is 
usually killed. Unless, therefore, the branch be severed an inch or more above the 
bud, (which is a very objectionable plan, since it leaves the plant covered with un- 
sightly and useless spurs,) the best part of it will be lost by pruning in frosty 
weather. Fine, open, sunshiny days are alike to be avoided for this process, for 
the powerful action of the sun causes an injurious discharge of sap from a wounded 
surface. Dull, cloudy, and cool weather is consequently preferable for pruning. 
Planting, again, should be performed in similar weather, with the addition, if 
possible, of a damp atmosphere, that the roots may neither be subjected to frost, 
nor to the drying and exhausting agency of the sun or wind, which would further 
affect the leaves or branches if experienced immediately after planting in dry 
weather. 
In digging flower-beds, and borders, and shrubberies, too, the mildest periods 
should be selected ; for it is impossible to avoid hurting the plants or roots if the 
ground be much frozen. For turning over open plots, and vacant spaces of every 
kind, it matters not how rigorous the weather may be, provided it does not materially 
retard the workman or increase his labour. 
The proper work to be done in sharp frosts is to apply manure, change the soil 
