1870. ] 
THE GARDEN MENTOR. 
3 
planting in all situations, and under all circumstances, is not to be recommended. 
In gardens where the soil is of a stiff, heavy nature, and the subsoil a strong 
retenti\’« clay, it is advisable to plant the fruit-trees on mounds a little elevated 
above the surrounding soil; but where the soil is of a light, porous nature, resting 
on a gravelly subsoil, it is advisable to plant on a level with the surrounding soil, 
mid in some places in hollows a little below the natural level. Long experience 
has taught me the advantage of attending to these matters, trivial as they may 
appear to some. It is also advisable to mix plenty of good rotten dung in light 
soils, resting on hungry, porous subsoils. 
Flower Garden, — Plant Houses: As we generally have more or less frost 
during this month, care must be taken to exclude it by making gentle fires at 
night. A night temperature of 40° will be a safe one for hard-wooded green¬ 
house plants, as most of them will now be in a state of rest; but Cinerarias, 
Primulas, Pelargoniums, &c., will be benefited by a night temperature of from 45° 
to 50°. Hardwooded plants should be watered carefully, but softwooded plants, 
in a free-growing state, will require a more liberal supply. Take every advan¬ 
tage of favourable weather to give some air. In frosty weather, soil should be 
got ready, crocks broken, pots cleaned, and sticks and labels prepared, so as to be 
in readiness to commence potting next month. 
Pits and Frames. —These should be kept well covered up in frosty weather, 
but the coverings should be removed during the day-time when the glass is not 
frozen, as the more light the plants get, the better they stand the confinement. 
When kept dry and well covered in severe weather, it is surprising in what good 
condition even very tender plants can be safely wintered in these structures. I 
have more than once kept a quantity of seedling Cinerarias in a frame during a 
severe winter, by keeping them as dry as possible, without allowing the plants to 
suffer, and covering well up at night. Bedding Plants must be looked over 
frequentl}^ Where there is a Vinery at work, the potting-off of Pelargoniums for 
bedding should be commenced at once ; when potted, they should be placed in 
the Vinery, and they will soon begin to root and grow freely. 
Out-Doors. —If the weather be very severe, very little can be done in the 
open ground. When there are alterations in hand, advantage should be taken of 
favourable weather to push them on. Coverings should ere this have been applied 
to everything requiring protection from frost. Bulbs should be frequently looked 
over, to see that rats and mice do not get at them. To be well in advance with 
the work, everything that can possibly be done now should be attended to, as by 
and by every day will bring an increase of work. In favourable weather Trees 
and Shrubs of all kinds may be planted in the pleasure-grounds. Care should be 
taken to lift large valuable specimens with good balls, and to injure the fibres as 
little as possible. Conifers like a dry situation, rather elevated and exposed to 
the sun and air, but sheltered from strong winds. Many a valuable specimen has 
been lost by being planted in a snug, sheltered, confined spot, for m such positions 
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