1874.] 
GARDEN WORK FOR DECEMBER. 
287 
loam, enriclied with rotted cow-dung and sand. After potting, place them in a 
cool airy pit near to the glass, and when the roots take fresh hold of the soil they 
will require strict attention as to watering, for if they become dry at any time, 
they will most assuredly become the prey of insects, and worthless. Green-fly must 
be kept under by timely fumigations, or by dipping the foliage in tobacco-water. 
Bedding Plants: Keep such as are wintered in cold pits as dry as possible, 
watering very sparingly at the root, and airing freely when the atmosphere is dry, 
the object being as far as possible to preserve a dry state of atmosphere. Protect 
Auriculas from frost, giving air freely in accordance with the state of the weather. 
For general stock, see previous directions.— George Westland, Witley Court. 
FRUITS. 
Vinery: The temperature of the early house started last month should be 
gradually increased ; at present it may range from 60° to 55°, and 60° by the 
end of the month—in the day 15° higher during bright weather, at the same time 
giving air; do not hurry them in dull, cloudy weather. Syringe and tie-in the shoots 
as they advance, and stop one joint above the show for fruit. Prepare the second 
house for starting. Fruiting Vines in Pots will admit of more rapid forcing than 
established Vines, in consequence of both root and branch being in the same 
temperature ; therefore for these 5° may be added to the temperature above stated. 
Cherries and Plums: If early fruit is required, the trees should be placed in 
the early house by the end of the month. Top-dress the pots with loam and 
dung, if not done as advised.last month. Begin with a night temperature of 
45°, and keep a moist atmosphere by syringing the trees every night and morning. 
Very little water at the root will be needed at the commencement of forcing. 
Strawberries: About the end of the month, some plants of the early varieties, 
such as Black Prince and Vicomtesse Uericai't de Thury^ may be placed in the 
forcing-house, where the heat is moderate ; do not water them at first, except 
they are very dry. Protect those in pots outside from frost and wet by the 
means formerly advised. 
Peaches and Nectarines: Cover the outside borders with leaves or litter, for 
the purpose of excluding frost and heavy rains. If the early house was started 
last month, take care that the night temperature does not rise over 50°, for it 
must be remembered that these fruits will not admit of rapid forcing in the 
early stages of the process ; therefore fire-heat should be applied with caution, 
otherwise the blossoms will be weakly, and apt to drop. The day temperature 
may range 10° to 15° higher, according to the state of the weather. Give air 
at every favourable opportunity ; syringe the trees, and close the house early in 
the afternoon. When the bloom begins to expand, less moisture and more air 
should be admitted. Prune and tie-in the trees in the next house, and prepare 
for starting it by the end of the month. 
Pines: All succession plants in dung-pits that are not otherwise heated 
should have the linings renewed, so that the top-heat may not fall below 65°, 
with a bottom-heat of about 75°; no syringing should be permitted, nor very 
little water given-at the root during the dark winter months. Give air in mild 
weather, more especially if the pits are damp ; cover with mats every night. In 
the fruiting-pit, where the fruit is swelling, the plants should not be allowed to 
get dry, and a high, moist temperature must be maintained ; syringe and close the 
pits early in the afternoon. Collect plenty of leaves, to be in readiness for use by 
and by. 
Hardy Fruit : Proceed with the pruning and nailing of all hardy Fruit-trees 
at all times when the weather permits, beginning with Pears^ Plums^ and Cherries. 
