1868 . ] 
SEASONABLE GARDENING HINTS-DECEMBER. 
271 
in one house, then much attention is necessary to keep the plants in a 
healthy condition. Whenever the state of the weather admits, air should 
be freely admitted, and a dry atmosphere must be kept, a moist stagnant one 
being very injurious to plants at this season. In dull weather gentle fires 
should be made during the day to expel damp, and in frosty weather just 
sufficient at night to exclude the frost. Pelargoniums have increased so 
largely of late, that they now form the greater part of softwooded plants in 
most places ; if kept dry they will stand a low temperature, but they do 
best in a little heat all through the winter—though they should have plenty 
of air in mild weather. 
I would again advise all intending planters of Boses, evergreen trees, and 
shrubs, to plant at once if the weather be favourable, and not defer it until 
spring. Tea-scented and other tender Eoses should be protected ; I do not 
advise the general pruning of Eoses, trees, and shrubs at this season, but a 
good deal may be done with the hardier kinds when favourable opportunities 
present themselves, which will save time in spring. As the leaves are now 
all off the trees, every place should be well swept and cleaned. The borders 
should be dug to give a neat appearance. Before the soil gets frozen the 
bulb beds should be covered 3 or 4 inches deep with decayed leaves or tan. 
If the kitchen garden be naturally of a heavy clayey nature, the ground 
should be thrown up in ridges, and lay exposed to the influence of the frost. 
At this season of the year there is not much cropping required; there are, 
however, a number of little matters that demand attention. Broccolis should 
be laid at once with their heads northwards. This is an old-fashioned, but 
nevertheless, an excellent plan of saving the hearts in severe weather; 
Celery should be finally earthed up if not already done. In case of frost 
the ridges should be covered with straw, fern, or shutters. Lettuce and 
Cauliflowers in frames should have all the air possible in mild weather. 
Parsley should be protected with hoops and mats, or what is better, a few 
lights, when they can be spared for that purpose. Seakale and Ehubarb 
crowns should be covered with litter to protect them from frost. A few 
roots should be covered with pots, surrounded by dung or leaves to force 
them, or they may be put into heat. 
All fruit tree planting should be done as soon as possible, and then the 
pruning of fruit trees should be carried on with vigour—this is an operation 
of the greatest importance, and one that cannot be too carefully attended 
to. In the generality of Orchards the thing is altogether neglected; and in 
many places where we may naturally look for something better, we do not 
find that attention paid to it which it deserves. This is one great cause 
why we so constantly hear complaints about failing crops. The trees are 
so crowded with wood and spurs, that when they bear a crop they become 
so exhausted, that one or two years’ rest is necessary before they can bear 
