1871. ] 
GARDEN NOTES FOR DECEMBER. 
277 
To obtain strong plants for winter flowering they should be propagated early 
in March. They will strike freely from pipings, and may be struck on a gentle 
hot-bed in the same way as Pinks. As soon as they are sufficiently rooted, they 
should be potted into small pots, and be kept repotted into larger ones as they 
require it, until they get into six-inch or eight-inch pots, according to the strength 
of the plants. A moderately rich soil should be used ; about two parts of 
good turfy loam to one of good rotten manure, with the addition of a little sand. 
This will yield a very suitable compost for them. Place them so that they may 
have plenty of air; keep them well secured with sticks and ties, to prevent them 
getting broken with the wind. Early in October they should be placed in a cool 
greenhouse. Keep them free from green-fly, and give them as much air as 
possible.— John Ball, Slough. 
GARDEN NOTES FOR DECEMBER. 
(F severe frosty weather should now suddenly set in after the long continuance 
we have had of mild, moist weather, many things, if unprotected, would 
suffer serious injury ; therefore, if not already completed, no time should 
be lost in making preparation for protecting all tender plants. 
But little variation from the directions for last month need be made in respect 
of out-door operations in the kitchen garden. Take advantage of dry days to 
hoe between the rows of vegetables, and to clear off weeds which the late moist 
weather has caused to grow rapidly. Clean between and gather off dead leaves 
from Brussels Sprouts and other winter vegetables, and collect them into heaps for 
manure. Give Caulijlowers and Lettuces all the exposure possible, excluding 
frost; pick off dead leaves and guard against slugs. Parsley, generally in great 
demand at this season, should be protected from frost. Celery may be earthed up 
when dry, and should be well protected in severe weather. If not already done, 
Broccoli should be laid down with the heads northwards ; Seakale and Rhubarb 
covered for forcing ; and a gentle hot-bed prepared for Asparagus. 
The instructions given previously for Pines should be steadily adhered to 
during this dull month ; the plants that bloomed last month, and those in flower 
during the present, will require the most careful attention ; maintain a night 
temperature of 70° ; see that the bottom-heat does not fall much below 85° ; 
and take advantage of fine weather to give a little air. Very little water should 
be given during this and the next month to the plants, excepting those that are 
swelling off their fruit. Keep a moist atmosphere constantly in the early Vinery , 
and when the buds begin to break raise the night temperature to about G0°. 
Give air abundantly during fine mornings, and see that the covering on the out¬ 
side border is sufficient to cause a gentle heat of from G5° to 70°. Prune and 
dress all Vines when the leaves have fallen, and put everything in readiness for 
starting at the proper time. The early Peac/j-liouse may now be started; see 
that the outside border is properly protected from the cold ; maintain a healthy, 
