1875. ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR DECEMBER. 
275 
in the soil, or, failing that, by a handful or two being thrown into the water 
whenever it may be found necessary to apply the latter. 
We will now suppose the border to be prepared, the compost wheeled in, as 
before directed, and to be ready for planting. This should be done at the end of 
September, so that the planting may take place early in October. Previously to 
this, say in the. month of August, the planter would do well to go to a good 
nursery and select his trees. In making his selection, he will find the benefit of 
a knowledge of the first principles which I have before explained ; for he must 
reject all trees, however fine they may appear, which have a preponderance of 
large luxuriant shoots, and the minor ones weak and spindly, and he should 
select such as have the shoots equally disposed on each side of the centre, and 
all, as nearly as possible, of equal strength, and likely to become well-ripened 
hard sound wood. A knowledge’ of this latter character may be acquired by 
those who are interested in the subject, by comparing the different character¬ 
istics of growth that may be observed in trees planted under various and some¬ 
times opposite conditions. Thus, poor soils will bring poor trees, generally, 
however hard and well-ripened; while, on the contrary, strong and rich soils will 
bring forward very grand-looking trees, but the fluent growth is treacherous, and 
not to be depended upon. In making selections, therefore, the moderately strong 
and equal in growth are those most to be desired. The planter should also 
reject all such trees as have been frequently headed back closely, as these are apt 
in after-times, to form a large excrescence at the point from which the shoot, 
radiate, which is not only ugly, but will often obstruct the free flow of the saps 
and hence induce premature decay. The best will be found to be of the second 
or third year, according to the size and age required, from the heading-back of 
the maiden tree, care having been taken not to cut back too closely. The reason 
for this advice I must reserve for my next chapter.— John Cox, Redlecif. 
GARDEN WORK FOR DECEMBER. 
FLOWERS. 
HE continuous wet has greatly hindered all ground-work operations in the 
flower-garden, and whatever planting may yet remain undone should 
have the earliest attention. Take advantage of dry and frosty weather to 
carry out premeditated ground-work alterations ; lay turf, and attend to 
levelling, and otherwise repairing lawns, during open weather; lay box-.edgings ; 
prune, nail, or otherwise train all hardy, deciduous plants and climbers. The 
grass must be frequently rolled during mild weather to keep under worm-casts, 
make a thorough clearing of leaves, and everywhere preserve neatness and order, 
for without smooth turf and solid walks, so formed that water never stands upon 
them, the garden can never be thoroughly enjoyed. 
The planting of Deciduous Trees and Shnibs should now be vigorously pushed 
forward, firmly and securely staking such as may require support—this operation 
should never be postponed, as root-action is often seriously retarded by the plants 
being swayed to and fro by wind ; mulch the surface, particularly in the case of 
all valuable plants. Prune and tliin-out deciduous hardy shrubs, giving space to 
