THE LADIES' FLORAL CABINET. 
231 
the use of such transcendental fuel except in Persia, 
where, owing to the absence of other grosser material, 
and an abundance of the yellow Rosa Simpliafolia, tins 
latter is in common use to heat the ovens of that roman¬ 
tic eastern laud. In Hyeres the Opuntia, Dracteua and 
Yucca assume the stature of trees. Orange and Lemon 
groves abound. The Passiflora, Bougainvillea and Tac- 
sonia climb the stately Olive trees and crown the 
highest roofs. The Cactus, Agave, Echeveria, Euphor¬ 
bia and-But this is degenerating into ordinary gos¬ 
sip ; ours should be Rose. F. Lance, 
(to be continued). 
GARDENING FOR DECEMBER. 
UT little, if any. work remains to 
be done in the garden. We take it 
for granted every plant is secure 
in its Winter quarters, there to 
remain until called for by the 
herald of Spring. There is, how¬ 
ever, in many sections an important work to be com¬ 
menced, and carried on vigorously, viz.: the destruction 
of field-mice, one of the greatest enemies the gardener 
has to contend with. For their destruction we know of 
no better plan than feed them liberally with com “ sugar- 
coated ” with arsenic and molasses. The best way of 
reaching them is to make small piles of coarse litter or 
straw, about one hundred feet apart: under this put a 
small handful of poisoned corn—a simple operation and 
one that is sure to destroy the enemy. This remedy 
should not be applied until after the ground is hard 
frozen up. 
This month is invariably fraught with danger to our 
special objects of delight, house plants. Two agents of 
destruction are constantly at work, and will succeed un¬ 
less skillfully met; these agents are frost and water. 
During the entire Winter season, or rather from the 
beginning of November to the end of the following 
March, these agents, whose operations upon plants are to 
be dreaded when carried beyond certain limits, must 
be promptly checked, or what is better, guarded against. 
The effect of frost upon plants is too palpable to be 
noticed at any length ; not so, however, with moisture, 
and we are particularly anxious to attract attention to 
this point. 
If it be philosophically true as a moral axiom, that a 
treacherous and insidious acquaintance is nforo to be 
suspected and feared than a candid, deliberate, avowed 
enemy ; it is no less correct that water is more dangerous 
to plants in Winter than frost, because its bad conse¬ 
quences are less evident. Much moisture at this season, 
whether it be in the form of vapor or water, occasions 
both positive and indirect injury. It is positive inas¬ 
much as it causes the destruction of the leaves, stems, 
and roots of all plants in which those members are in a 
susceptible or succulent condition; and indirect as 
affording the sole means through which frost can act. 
No water whatever should bo supplied to plants un¬ 
less the soil be quite dry, and then only in moderate 
quantities; nor should air at any time be admitted, save 
when tolerably free from moisture; but gentle, drying 
winds that are not too cold; should be allowed the freest 
circulation, as these are productive of incalculable bene¬ 
fit. In managing all kinds of house-plants during this 
mouth, one simple and common rule will be almost of 
itself a sufficient guide; and that is, to give no more 
water than is really essential; such necessity being de¬ 
termined by each plant’s appearance, or, rather, by the 
state of the soil in the pots. This should never get ab¬ 
solutely dry; nor should the leaves of the plants ever 
flag. Keep the temperature as low as possible, consis¬ 
tent -with personal comfort. Most plants are not grow¬ 
ing this month, simply living ; next month more active 
operations wall commence, consequently more heat and 
moisture will be required. 
To return to the open ground, the practice of digging 
beds aud borders at this time is a good one, particularly 
if the soil is a stiff or heavy one, as it tends to mellow 
the soil, besides it gives an air of neatness and freshness 
to all the surroundings. Now is the best time to trim 
and cut back hardy Roses and ornamental shrubs, as 
they will not be injured by the flow of sap, which they 
are liable to do when trimming is deferred until early 
Spring. 
The Victoria Regia. 
The hopes we have expressed in a former number of the 
Cabinet of the successful cultivation of this remarkable 
plant in the open air have been more than realized. Mr. 
Sturtevant informs us that his plant continued to bloom 
until quite late in Autumn, with the help of a little arti¬ 
ficial heat, that was furnished by a pipe from his green¬ 
house adjoining. The last flower opened on the first 
day of November, and was quite as large and perfect as 
those produced during the warmest weather in Sum¬ 
mer. The plant has also ripened perfect seed. Mr. 
Sturtevant has proven this wonderful plant a tender 
annual, capable of being grown in its perfection with 
but relatively little difficulty. 
A. J. Downing, who was one of the best horticultur¬ 
ists America has ever known, said: “ If I were to 
preach a sermon on horticulture I should take as my 
text, ‘ Stir the Soil.’ Frequent and deep stirring will 
enable one to grow fine vegetables on comparatively 
poor aud slightly manured soil, while without it one 
fails to gain the proper advantage, even from the richest 
and finest soil.” 
There is a rosebush in a garden in Char-lestown, 
Mass., which bears over one thousand buds. It is thir¬ 
ty-five years old, and covers a space of one hundred 
square feet. A single stem has sixteen buds, and stems 
having twelve, ten or less, are quite numerous. 
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