CALENDAK FOE, DECEMBER. 
277 
the rows of plants, and also between the plants in the rows, and 
avoid, as far as practicable, growing tall crops of vegetables 
among the bushes. Mulch the ground well round the newly- 
planted bushes, and also about all recently transplanted trees, 
in order to protect their roots from frost, and also to prevent the 
rain beating the ground to a state of crust, -which would prevent, 
in a great degree, the free action of the atmosphere below the 
surface. Proceed with the pruning and nailing of the wall trees 
in mild open weather, always using a board to stand upon, not 
only on account of personal warmth and comfort, but also to 
avoid too much treading on the borders. 
Forcing Garden. If the earliest vinery was shut up last month, 
the temperature should be very gradually raised during this, with 
an increase of moisture also ; but both agents should be applied 
very carefully, especially in very wet, gloomy weather. If the 
first house is not started until about Christmas, begin with a 
temperature of about 45 to 50°, on no account getting above 60°, 
with bright, weather, before the end of the month. Syringe the 
vines twice a day if not very gloomy weather, always using the 
water a few degrees warmer than the house. The first peach 
house may also be started about the middle or end of the month, 
but the temperature should not exceed 40 to 45°. Use very 
little water, but admit air freely when the weather will allow. 
Strawberries should be kept in a similar state ; rather dry, cool, 
and near the light. Admit air to them freely in all open weather. 
Keep dry such pineapples as may be about to start, or that are 
wanted to do so; and use water very carefully to the others, 
giving only enough to keep them from being checked into a rest. 
Keep the bouse cucumbers free of useless shoots, stopping and 
laying in only the strongest, and not crowding them. Maintain 
a regular moist temperature of about 70 to 75°, admitting air on 
all favorable occasions, and maintaining the regular heat by in¬ 
creased firing, if necessary. Introduce fresh crops of asparagus, 
&c., as soon as the last crop is nearly half ready for use. 
D. M. 
