1S75. ] 
GARDEN WORK FOR DECEMBER. 
277 
to reach every portion of the ball. During frosty weather, it is a safe practice to 
keep a correspondingly low temperature, in preference to using excess of fire-heat, 
and the atmosphere should be somewhat dry, to prevent damping. Be careful to 
avoid cold draught. , 
Cinerarias must be shifted as soon as the roots reach the outside of the 
pots, as they never recover the effects of becoming matted in the pots ; place 
them near to the glass, and sufficiently thin them, so as to admit light and air 
around them ; fumigate, to prevent green-fly. In potting, use a light compost of 
equal parts of turfy loam, rotten manure, and leaf-soil, adding sand, to keep the 
soil healthy and open. Give all the air possible on every favourable opportunity. 
Calceolarias: The above remarks are in a great measure applicable to these, 
with the exception that in potting they should have a heavy, rich loam, with 
rotten cow-dung, and a cool moist atmosphere, with a free admission of air. 
At no time must they become dry at the root, for unless this is attended to they 
are sure to become infested with the thrips and green-fly, from which they must 
be kept free. 
Bedding Plants : Everything in pits and frames requires constant attention to 
prevent damping ; and a circulation of air must be secured whenever the atmo¬ 
sphere is dry, using caution during dull foggy weather. Water early in the 
morning during bright days; as little water as possible should be spilled. 
Hollyhocks , Stocks , Carnations. Pansies , Wallflowers , and similar plants grown in 
cold frames, must have abundant air.— Geo. Westland, Witley Court. 
FRUITS. 
Vinery : If the early house was started last month, the temperature 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 sunshine the temperature may rise to 15° higher, air being given at every 
favourable opportunity. Keep the air humid by syringing and sprinkling the 
floor of the house, especially if it is heated by flues. Tie-in the shoots as they 
advance, and stop them as soon as the bunch is visible. Prepare for starting the 
succession-house by the middle of the month. All vines in the late houses should 
be pruned as soon as the crop is cleared. When Pot Vines are in full leaf, begin 
to feed them with liquid manure occasionally ; both this and water should always 
be used of the same temperature as that of the house they occupy. 
Pines: Succession-plants in dung-pits that are not otherwise heated should 
have the linings turned and fresh stable-manure added, so that the temperature 
does not fall below 65° ; do not syringe them or give any water at the root for 
the present; give a little air in fine weather, closing early in the afternoon, and 
covering the pits every night. Those plants intended for starting into fruit next 
month should have the temperature increased to 80°, with a moderately dry 
atmosphere; and if the bottom-heat is on the decline, the bed should be turned 
and the plants replunged. If any strong suckers are making their appearance on 
these plants, they had better be removed at once. Plants in fruit should not 
suffer from drought; keep up a moist high temperature by sprinkling the house, 
and syringe the plants with the exception of those in flower; give a little air 
from the back of the pit in fine weather, but close early in the afternoon. 
Peaches and Nectarines: Apply fire-lieat with caution to the early house ; do 
not let the night temperature exceed 50°, and permit a rise of 10° or 15° during 
sunshine ; syringe the trees, and close early in the afternoon. This treatment 
should be continued till the blossoms begin to expand, Cover the outside borders, 
