12 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. . 
[ January, 
Strawberries : If not already done, a few of the most promising may be placed 
in an early peach-house. Where oak-leaves are plentiful, a pit well filled with 
these in a fermenting state is an excellent place for starting the earliest batch, 
the gentle humid heat given off by the leaves being more congenial to the 
Strawberry than warmth obtained from hot-water pipes. 
Figs: To have ripe Figs by the middle of April, a few trees established in 
pots should now be introduced. For early work, the Brown Turkey is perhaps 
the best, as it seldom casts its first show of fruit; partially plunge the pots in a 
bottom-heat of 70°, commencing with an air-temperature of 50° to 55° ; syringe 
freely, and water copiously with tepid liquid manure. 
JIardy Fruit: The continuous wet, closely followed by frost and snow, has 
kept planting in arrear, and in some cases prevented nurserymen from executing 
orders. The root-pruning and planting of fruit-trees in mild weather, provided 
the soil is dry enough for working, should now be brought to a close. Mulch as 
the work proceeds, and stake Or otherwise secure from injury such as require 
support, as nothing is more fatal to, newly-planted trees than constant movement 
by the wind. Complete the pruning of Bush Fruit-trees. Eeplace worn-out 
stakes, and tie Baspherries; mulch with good rotten dung, but do not dig amongst 
the stools. Push on the pruning and nailing of Wall-trees.^ leaving Peaches and 
Nectarines until the end of the month. The shoots may, however, be unnailed 
and kept away from the wall to retard the swelling of the buds, and so increase 
the chances of a crop of fruit. Prepare shreds and nails in bad weather, and 
provide protecting materials ready for use next month.—W. Coleman, Eastnor 
Castle. 
VEGETABLES. 
Doubtless the continued wet weather of autumn has retarded the work in 
this department. If so, no time should be lost in making good the deficiency. 
Every spare yard of vacant ground should be either dug or trenched, so that the 
soil may get well pulverised, and in good condition by seed-time. Look over the 
plants of Caidijlower and Lettuce.^ and if they are not likely to winter well, it will 
be advisable to sow a little seed of these, as well as of Cabbage.^ under glass, at the 
end of the month, so as to have the plants forward for spring planting. It is not 
advisable in heavy, wet soils, to be in a hurry about sowing Peas and Beans.^ as 
nothing will be gained by so doing. In light soils, such sorts as Emperor., or 
other Peas of that class, may be sown, as also Beans {Mazagan and Long-pod); 
these should be sown about the middle of the month, choosing a warm situation. 
Some Eadish {Wood’s Frame and Short-top) should also be sown about the same 
time, on a warm border. Give air every fine day to Caidifloiver and Lettuce- 
plants under glass. 
Forcing-ground: To keep up a succession, place more roots of Asparagus 
and Rhubarb in the forcing-pits. Asparagus-roots should be covered to the depth 
of 6 in. with fine light soil or leaf-mould, and afterwards be well watered. Those 
being forced in the open ground should have the linings turned or renewed as 
often as may be required, to keep up the requisite heat. Place pots over Seakale., 
and cover them with leaves or stable-manure ; also place more roots in the 
Mushroom-house for succession, according to the supply required, and place more 
roots of Chicory in the same house. A succession of Chives., Mint., and Tarragon 
should be put in heat, Basil should be sown occasionally, and Small Salading 
every few days. Sow French Beans in pots, and keep a good heat to those coming 
into bearing, allowing them air at every favourable opportunity. Prepare a slight 
hot-bed with dung and leaves for sowing Carrots {French Horn), and Radishes 
