THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
501 
weather. Opportunities may now be taken 
to prune or trim any tree? or shrubs which 
may require it. Tender and choice sorts may 
be protected by placing litter around the stems 
or over the roots. 
Tulips. — If not already planted, this should 
be done without further delay. 
Turf. — The present month is a good time to 
effect any alterations or additions to the lawn, 
which involve the laying of turf, &c.; though 
this may be done almost at any time. 
Walks. — The sweeping and rolling of the 
gravel walks should by no means be neglected 
now, as neatness and perfect order must be 
some compensation for the absence of flowers. 
TUE KITCHEN GARDEN. 
The chief operations will consist in draining, 
digging, ridging, trenching, and manuring — 
taking care to wheel on the manure on dry 
and frosty mornings — finishing the taking up of 
the various roots, and keeping the garden neat. 
Asparagus. — No time should be lost in 
having the beds forked and covered with 
manure. Sea-weed is an excellent material for 
this purpose, and when it is not easily pro- 
curable, a little salt mixed with the dung, can 
be added as a substitute ; use rich manure 
and put it six inches thick. 
Beans.— If not already sown, should now 
be got in without delay. 
Broeoli. — In case of severe weather it is 
well to have them set close together, so as to 
be easily covered. 
Cabbage. — These may still be planted with 
-success. (See last month.) Plant most of 
Matchless and early York. 
Cauliflower. — Be sure that all the air possi- 
ble is given to the young plants under hand- 
lights ; the lights may be put on only at 
night. It may happen that still a few heads 
may be found : these, along with the Broeoli — 
which should be regularly looked over — should 
be cut, and roughly dressed, and put into a 
close box with the ends thrust amongst sand. 
Celery. — Provision should be made to be 
able to cover the ridges should severe weather 
ensue, by which means it may be preserved 
throughout the winter ; the earthing up of the 
ridges should he finished rounding at the top, so 
as to prevent the rain and snow from lodging 
about the plant. 
Endive. — Have plenty of endive ready for 
use by attending to the directions given at 
p. 450, as regards protecting and blanching. 
Lettuce. — Attend to airing those in the 
frames, and allow the glasses to be always oil', 
except during very cold weather or heavy rains. 
Onions. — Now is a good time to see that 
the ground to be set apart for these is deeply 
dug, or trenched, and well dunged. Lay up 
the soil very rough, that it may be mellowed 
and sweetened by the frost and the action of 
the atmosphere. 
Peas. — Many prefer to sow now : it will be 
necessary, if the soil is wet, to form the surface 
into sloping banks, on which they may be 
sown at any time. 
Rocambole. — Plant early in the month in 
rows, a foot between, and similarly to shallots. 
Salads. — The sowings of cress, &c, recom- 
mended to be put in a sheltered spot, will 
require attention and protection. 
Sea Kale. — Cover the beds intended for 
forcing with leaves, say a foot thick ; apply 
hot dung to that wanted very early, using 
pots to cover the stools ; or if plentiful, lift ii, 
and put it into the mushroom-house. The 
young beds should be covered with rich 
manure with the view of invigorating the 
plants ; cover the soil to the depth of six inches. 
Scorzonera and Salsify. — The sooner these 
are taken up the better ; put them amongst 
sand in a cool house or shed. 
Turnips. — If the roots are not already 
secured, this must be proceeded with ; they 
will keep fresh by being put into a heap, and 
if the place is exposed, covered slightly with 
straw. 
CUCUMBER FRAMES. 
The present, and two following, are the 
most trying months of the year for Cucumbers. 
Where they are grown in pits or dung-beds, 
the boat must be kept up by linings, as they 
are called, of hot dung placed round the out- 
side, and kept renewed and turned up from 
time to time, before the heat becomes spent. 
If they are grown in houses, which is much 
the best way where there is either a small 
house that can be devoted to them, or a stove 
in which they can be placed, the trouble and 
difficulty of keeping up a regular heat under 
adverse circumstances is almost done awa} r . 
Keep the temperature to an average of 70 degs. 
by day, and 65 degs. at night, but this should 
vary 5 or 8 degs. according as the weather is 
fine or wintry ; the greatest heat is to be applied 
when the weather is finest, and not, as is 
often done, when it is coldest. Have the 
frames carefully covered at night, and give an 
inch or so of air every day, if possible, to 
prevent the accumulation of moisture. A 
guide in giving air, is not to let the cold air 
admitted lower the temperature beyond the 
assigned limit. Very little water, perhaps 
none, need be given. The surface of the soil 
should be frequently stirred up and freshened. 
The branches should be stopped hack when 
they have nearly filled the space provided for 
them ; and after that, beyond every joint or 
leaf. In turning the linings, disturb one 
side only at a time, having the others for a 
few days. 
