fl'J GARDEN HINTS FOR AMATEUK.S. 
about until the ground is perfectly consolidated and as level as a billiard table ; then the walks and 
beds are marked out, and the turf is laid down, taking care, in cutting it, to have it as nearly of a 
thickness as possible, as, upon that, the evenness of the surface will in a great measure depend. It 
may then receive what may be termed a rough beating, just to smooth the most uneven parts, but the 
finishing beating cannot be given until the ground has been thoroughly soaked b}' rain. If the 
surface soil is poor, an inch or two of rotten manure or leaf mould must be pricked in previous to the 
final levelling, or some fresh soil may be added over the entire surface. The best time to lay turf is 
in the autumn and early winter months ; at any rate, if it can possibly be avoided, it should not be laid 
later than the end of February. In forming the walks, Mr. Beaton's directions as to concrete should 
be followed, as requiring less material, and being the best and cheapest in every respect. Planting 
may be performed now, more especially with deciduous trees and shrubs, but, if we must have our 
choice, we would rather plant evergreens the end of April and through May than at any other time in 
the year. This rule is more to be observed if the plants are to be removed from warm nursery beds to 
very exposed situations. It is quite unreasonable to expect such plants to succeed if removed late in 
the autumn or winter. 
In the Flower Garden, any plants which it is intended to preserve through the winter should be 
taken up without delay; and if, after they are potted, you can assist them with a little bottom heat, it 
will be very beneficial in starting them. Take care to preserve plenty of old roots of Salvia patens, 
which, when properly managed, makes a splendid blue bed. Nice compact plants of Calceolarias and 
Scarlet Pelargoniums should also be preserved. As soon as the leds are cleared of plants, dig them 
over and stock them immediately with bulbs or nice dwarf shrubs from the reserve garden. 
The Greenhouse plants are all snug in their winter quarters, therefore give plenty of air and do not 
use artificial heat until frosty weather compels you to do so, unless the weather should prove very 
moist, and then a little fire may be necessary in the daytime to dispel the damp. Heaths do not 
require to be kept so warm as plants from New Holland, Australia, &c, &c., and hence, where it is a 
matter of necessity to grow them together, care must be taken to suit the temperature to both tribes. 
Pelargoniums are now growing freely, but do not attempt to force them, rather keep them dwarf and 
stocky until nature comes to your assistance with the new year. Fancy Pelargoniums, as we have 
before remarked, require a little more heat than the common kinds. Water them cautiously, thin out 
a few of the smaller leaves occasionally, and train them into proper form as they require it or oppor- 
tunity offers. The larger plants of both kinds for the May shows may be put into their blooming 
pots. Take great care of plants in pits and frames ; keep them dry and protect them in time. 
Among Florists' Flowers, Tulips, if not already planted, must be delayed no longer, or they will 
suffer. Finish potting layers of Carnations and Picotees, and get them into their winter quarters. 
Protect Auriculas properly, and attend to Pinks and Heartsease both in pots and beds. 
In the Fruit and Kitchen garden, proceed with the pruning of bush trees and the more hardy 
kinds of wall trees, but leave the Apricots, Peaches, &e., until alter Christmas. Protect in frames, pits, 
or open sheds the Walcheren and Snow's Winter White Brocoli, now coming into use, and, if properly 
managed, it will give a supply until March. Proceed with trenching and ridging vacant ground in 
favourable weather; wheel manure, soil, &c., on frosty mornings. On light favourable soils a crop of 
Early Peas and Royal Cluster or Fan Beans may be sown ; but, upon heavy soils, a few transplanted 
from pots or boxes in February will be preferable. — P. 
DECEMBER. 
This is a month in which the garden operations arc especially dependent upon the weather, for if 
the ground is frost locked, but little can be done in that direction. Still, if new fruit-borders have to 
be formed, flower-beds renewed, or stations for choice plants prepared, advantage should be taken of 
such weather to get the work performed. If the frost is very intense, carts and horses may sometimes 
be used where the wheel-borrow, under ordinary circumstances, could only be admitted, and hence 
much labour would be saved. Heaps of soil and manure in the compost yard must also lie attended to, 
either by removing the frozen surface or by turning the heaps throughout, so as to expose them as 
much ;is possible to the action of the atmosphere. 
There is another point generally neglected in suburban gardens which claims special attention nt 
this season, and that is the thinning or pruning of shrubbery borders. If the garden is of any size, the 
boundary line is generally planted with common forest trees and shrubs underneath, not less to produce 
immediate effect than to secure the privacy of the premises. Desirable as such a tiling may be. care 
jv should always be taken to thin in time, so that each plant may assume its proper form, and hold its 
m proper place in the arrangement. Then all will be complete ami satisfactory : but when trees arc 
