DECEMBER. . 379 
Where succcssicn plants are growing in dung-pits that are not 
heated in any other way, they should have the linings turned or 
rene'wed, according as it may be required, so that a temperature of 
65° is maintained, and the bottom heat should not fall below 75°. 
These will not require any water or syringing for the present. 
Give a little back air in good weather, and cover the pits early 
every evening, especially if frosty. Plants in fruit should not 
suffer from drought; keep up a moist high temperature, and close 
the house early after bright days, andif much fire-heat is used syringe 
the plants, with the exception of those in flower. Water should 
now bo withheld from those plants intended for starting into fruit 
next month. The temperature should be increased to 80° or 85°, 
with a dry atmosphere, and if the bottom heat is on tlie decline, 
and the plants are in j^ots, the bed should be turned and the plants 
re-plunged. If any strong suckers are making their appearance 
on these plants, they had better be removed at once. 
Vinery .—If the early house was started last month, the tem¬ 
perature should be gradually increased. At present the night 
temperature may range from 50° to 55°, and 60° by the end of the 
month; do not hurry them in dull weather, but during sun heat 
the temperature may range-15° higher, with air at every oppor¬ 
tunity. Keep up a moist atmosphere by syringing and sprinkling 
the floors, especially if the house is heated with flues. Thin and 
tie in the shoots as they advance in growth, and stop them as soon 
as the bunch is visible. Dress and tie the vines in the succession 
house, and prepare for starting them by the middle of the month. 
All vines in late houses should be pruned as soon as the crop is 
clear. 
Kitchen Garden .—If severe frost sets in, Celery, Cardoons, 
and Artichokes should be covered with straw or litter. Endive 
may be taken up and placed thickly together in pits or sheds to 
blanch. Go on digging, manuring, and trenching all vacant 
ground, to be in readiness for cropping when required; this is the 
principal work to be done in this department for the present. A 
crop of early Peas may be sown, Sangster’s No. 1 is a good early 
kind. A small sowing of Mazagan Beaus should also bo got in ; 
choose a Avarm sheltered situation. Give air every fine day to 
Lettuce, CaulifloAvers, and other plants under glass. If slugs are 
troublesome in the frames dust the plants over Avith slacked lime. 
J. P. 
WORK FOR SMALL GARDENS IN DECEMBER. 
Auricidas. —Quite a time of rest for these; still keep the plants 
clean, pick off dead leaves, and give only so much Avater as Avill 
keep them from flagging. Cover up at night, so as to keep out 
frost. 
Carnations and Picotees. —The same applicable here. Damp 
is the great enemy: Avhen black spots appear on the leaA’es, clip 
them off Avith a pair of scissors, as it is apt to spread. 
