THE FLORIST. 
325 
eases derived from corporeal sources. How important to make health 
and strength subservient to those intellectual operations which are 
the glory of our being, linking us as they do to more noble spirits 
than our little planet can boast of! The up-turning of the soil, the 
exercise of nerve and muscle in rolling a grass lawn, and all the minor 
labours demanded of the gardener, are highly promotive of that healthy 
bodily state without which the mind must suffer. All persons en¬ 
gaged in literary occupations, all Christian ministers, and all clerks 
in public offices, should become amateur gardeners. Among the 
higher classes, field-sports counteract the tendencies to idleness which 
wealth often entails upon its possessor, and the steeple-chase and the 
fox-hunt secure for the pulse a healthy play. Let not those whose 
circumstances will not allow of these robust sports complain that 
their daily duties injure their health and cloud their intellectual vision 
until they have fully tried the invigorating influence of gardening. 
Labour is productive of direct pleasures ; in the very act of work¬ 
ing in moderation, there is a satisfaction which amply repays for every 
sacrifice. I imagine you are in an uncomfortable state of equilibrium 
on some bleak day in December, now resolving to plant some trees, 
and now inclining to continue at the fire with some attractive book. 
Take courage, and throw the volume aside ; doff your light dress for 
one suitable to the season, and, with stout coverings for your feet, go 
boldly forth. At first you will look blue, and feel rather dissatisfied, 
but every stroke of the spade will bring the right colour to your 
cheek, and better feelings to your heart. Soon you will experience 
a glow without and within, and enjoy your labour highly, until the 
shades of evening allow you to go in and delight yourself with that 
greatest of all bodily luxuries, rest after toil. Let my fair readers 
remember I am now writing for them as well as for my own sex. 
The Bury, Luton. Henry Burgess. 
CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 
Auriculas. —Carefully shelter the plants from wet, and continue to 
give as much air and light as possible, particularly when the at¬ 
mosphere is heavy and foggy. In severe, black, frosty weather, 
attended with brisk drying easterly or northerly winds, the 
frames may be closed while it continues ; for sufficient air to 
carry off the evaporations from within will penetrate between 
the laps of the glass. Light waterings must be given where the 
soil in the pots is getting very dry, or the plants will perish; 
little moisture is requisite at this season, but that little should be 
kept up, to insure a healthy condition. J. T. Neville. 
Auricula Seed. —Prepare a little compost for sowing the seed in; 
a small quantity of vegetable mould will be necessary—that ob¬ 
tained from decomposed oak-leaves is excellent for the purpose; 
clean it of worms and other insects, and preserve it in a mode- 
