DECEMBER. 
377 
CALENDAR OP OPERATIONS. 
Azaleas. —The night temperature should not be under 45°, rather 
higher in mild weather. If an early display of flowers be required, the 
most forward plants should be placed where they can have a temperature 
of 50° by night at least, and 60° by day, fire-heat. Water carefully 
when necessary. Ventilate freely when the state of the weather 
permits. 
Camellias. —Keep the house close and warm without using much 
fire-heat. Many of the most forward will now be in flower, and the 
general stock will be advancing into bloom. Watering should be 
properly attended to. Give a little air in fine weather. 
Cold Frames. —Little if any water will be required here at present; 
when it is absolutely necessary give it in the forenoons of fine days, and 
leave the lights off* for an hour or two. Give air whenever the state of 
the weather permits; be careful to close up early in the afternoon, and 
to cover well up at night. 
Conservatory and Show-house. —Spare no pains to make these as 
attractive and inviting as possible; with a little forethought and skill it 
is a very easy matter to accomplish it now-a-days, in consequence of 
the great variety of decorative plants which we possess. Chrysanthe¬ 
mums alone, whilst in flower, will make a good display; when these 
are over Azaleas will more than make up the want. 
Cucumbers. —Be chary not to let the young bearing plants carry too 
many fruit; light cropping and skilful treatment now will enable the 
plants to continue healthy and productive the whole of the winter. 
See directions in last month’s Calendar. 
Flower Garden. —Push forward alterations whilst the weather con¬ 
tinues mild and favourable; also all work that can possibly be done at 
this season. Sweep and roll lawns and walks. Protect tender Roses, 
also choice bulbs. 
Forcing Hardy Shrubs. —A steady bottom heat and a moist growing 
atmosphere are the chief points to be attended to here. Give air freely 
in fine weather. As the plants come into flower remove them to the 
conservatory, and supply their places by introducing fresh ones. 
Forcing Ground. —See that a regular succession of Seakale, Rhu¬ 
barb, and Asparagus is kept up. When you have plenty of manure 
always make a good bed or two, so as to be prepared for any emer¬ 
gency. Attend to the linings in frosty weather. Sow French Beans, 
and attend carefully to those in bearing. Sow Mustard and Cress 
weekly. 
Fruit {hardy). —If the weather be favourable it is much better to 
plant now than in spring. All soils should be thoroughly drained before 
planting. When the subsoil is clayey it is good practice to plant on 
mounds raised a few inches above the level of the surrounding soil; 
when the subsoil is gravelly it is best to plant level with the soil. 
Persevere with nailing and pruning in fine weather. Look over large 
old standard Apples and Pears, and remove any branches that cross 
each other, also some of the worst where they are crowded. Scrape 
moss (If any) off* the stems. 
