245 
THE GARDENERS’ AND NATURALISTS’ CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER. 
Berberis repens (North. America).—Syn., M. repens. 
This is an excellect variety for rock work, and also for 
planting under the shade of trees, or on very steep 
hanks, where it soon fixes itself, and prevents the 
crumbling down of the surface. 
B. fascicular is (North America).—Syn., M. fascicu- 
laris , a fine variety, having a very distinct foliage, with 
a glaucous appearance. 
B. nervosa (North America). — Syn., M. glumcicea. 
Another very desirable distinct-growing variety, ex¬ 
ceedingly compact and close in its habit; should be 
extensively employed as a border plant. J. C. E,. 
Auriculas and Bolyanthuses. —Take every advantage 
of the favourable state of the present weather in sub¬ 
jecting these to its benefit by having the lights quite 
off the frames. The plants will require to be passed 
over, cleaned, and the injured leaves cut out, as also 
any premature pips ; cleaning out any dust or dirt that 
may have accumulated since placing them in then’ 
winter quarters. Take also especial care that they are 
not suffering from damp by drip or otherwise ; and be 
prepared with mats, or some other covering, in case of 
a sudden change in the weather; but carefully avoid 
covering, unless absolutely indispensable for the safety 
of the plants, as too frequent coverings tend greatly to 
weaken the plants, and rmfit them for braving the cold. 
This applies also to Carnations, Picotees, &c. 
Carnations and Picotees. — Attend to the layers of 
these, and cut out any of the leaves that are spotted, as 
a preventive of its further progress; passing the 
plants over and cleaning as the Auriculas. 
Dahlias. —Many of the roots of these that have thin 
stringy tubers will require examination to clean off 
the mouldiness, or they will be found to decay before 
the time arrives for their being placed in heat to make 
plants for the beauty of next autumn. 
Hollyhocks may still be increased by cuttings in 
gentle heat, and seedlings pricked into pots and for¬ 
warded, will bloom in perfection next summer. 
Pansies in beds must be seemed from cutting winds 
by fern-boughs, or some other material, when small 
hand-lights are not in use ; those in pots in frames 
cleaned, and subjected to all the ah' possible in mild 
open weather, watering only when dry, and then with 
much discretion. 
Pinks require but little attention just now. See that 
the winds do not twist them to and fro ; which may be 
avoided by placing small sticks or pegs as supports; 
guard also from the attacks of rabbits by netting or 
some well-tarred cord, which they have a great objec¬ 
tion to pass. 
Tulips. —These, if planted when recommended, will 
in many cases be found peeping through the soil, from 
the very mild weather that has prevailed. Where such 
is the case, it will be advisable to cover such up in a 
conical hill by a little pure sand, if attainable ; where 
such is not the case, a little peat-earth may be sub¬ 
stituted, or any other absorbing soil. Cover the beds, 
in frosty weather, by mats, netting, &c. 
The amateur florists will find, at this advanced 
season, much of their labour is over for the present; 
still there are many little things by no means to be 
lost sight of, as, for instance, the preparing fresh com¬ 
post, turning over those already in, and subjecting 
them to the action of the frosts to cleanse them of any 
embryo insects which they may contain,—it being an 
indisputable fact that no florist can succeed without 
pure soils. The making of labels, sticks for tying, 
breaking crocks, &c., are all trifles not to be overlooked; 
and by being prepared in vacant times much lessens 
the confusion that would otherwise occur where a little 
fore-thought has not been exercised. Fresh plans for 
the planting in the coming spring, with a due conside- 
tration as to the arrangements of colour, height, form 
&c., of any flowers to be planted, may also serve to 
lessen the confusion of busy spring. Notes of new flowers 
carefully examined, and orders given for any that may 
be required in due time; deferring not to the last 
moment what may be done to advantage in the present 
leisure season. T. B. 
FRUIT GARDEN.—IN-DOOR DEPART¬ 
MENT. 
Fruiting Pines .—The principal crop for next year 
will require but little attention at this time, if the bot¬ 
tom heat was regulated last month. If the object 
aimed at is to get your fruit up in January and Febru¬ 
ary, they will for the present merely require being 
kept dry, with air daily, according to the state of the 
weather. The thermometer may range between 58° at 
night average, to 7 0° dining the day; if practicable, 
leave a slight current of air on through the night. 
Those plants which bloomed last month will require 
careful management; every horn of sunlight must be 
taken advantage of, and a gentle admission of air, re¬ 
gulated hi respect to the out-door temperature, at all 
times in action. The night temperature may obtain a 
medium of about 60°; very moderate waterings will 
suffice, and at this season the humidity of the house 
will in most cases prove sufficient. Pines ripening 
will require a (frier heat and plenty of air ; have them 
as near the glass as possible to assist the colouring. 
Succession Pines will require to be kept dry, with ai r 
daily. They may be safely wintered, if dry, at a tem¬ 
perature ranging from 58° to 65°. 
Fctrly Vinery .—If this house was started in October, 
the vines will now be breaking; when this takes place, 
remove the dung from the interior of the house, if such 
a plan has been adopted. The temperature must be kept 
up during the day to 70°, with an increase of 10° (if 
such can be obtained) from sun heat. The night tem¬ 
perature may be cautiously raised to 60° and even 65° 
when the vines are in bloom. Admit air daily, and 
during the night as well, if you have any means of 
doing so with safety; disbud and tie in the young 
shoots ; unless there are reasons for it, stop the shoots 
one joint above the bunch. The roots, if the border is 
outside, must be kept in an equal state as regards heat, 
which should average about 70° ; add more materials 
whenever the weather gives indications of becoming 
severe. 
Prepare the successional houses by pruning and 
dressing the vines, and putting every thing in order for 
a commencement, which will take place according to 
the demand in the spring. 
Iveep late vineries dry and well-aired; look over 
the bunches weekly. J. S. 
Figs .—If our former directions have not been al¬ 
ready attended to, no tune should be lost in doing so. 
In severe weather sufficient fire must be applied to ex¬ 
clude frost. If any of the plants growing in pots or 
tubs require a shift, this is an excellent time for doing 
it. Use turfy loam and a little leaf soil, and place 
plenty of drainage in the bottoms of the pots and tubs. 
Peaches. — In the early house endeavour by all 
means to maintain a healthy moist atmosphere ; syringe 
the trees two or three times daily with tepid water; 
use as little fire heat as possible. Nothing is so preju¬ 
dicial to early forcing as overheating. Ventilate freely 
on fine days, and keep a night temperature ranging 
from 40° to 4o°, always raising the temperature 8° or 
10° in the early part of the day. 
In mild open weather a night temperature of 50° 
will be safer than 45° in cold frosty weather ; the tem¬ 
perature out-doors in the former case may be 50° or 
