oF THE FLORIST. 
forward this operation. All standard fruit-trees may also be pruned, 
and if Moss infests the trees, the main branches should be scraped and 
dressed with a mixture of soot, urine, and lime water. Prune Currants 
and Raspberries, and manure and fork the soil between the rows. It 
is best to defer the pruning of Gooseberries till a later period, on account 
of the injury often done to the buds by birds during the winter months. 
Root prune dwarf standard Pear and Apple trees, if over-luxuriant or 
unfruitful. Plant all kinds of fruit-trees when the weather permits, if 
not already done, and mulch them after planting with rotten dung or leaf 
mould, to prevent the frost penetrating the soil, which will materially 
assist the trees in taking root. Examine the labels of fruit-trees, and 
prepare new ones in bad weather ; also cut shreds, and clean old wall 
nails by heating them in an iron vessel and stirring in a little coal tar 
while they are hot. Look over Pears and Apples in the fruit room, and 
remove all decayed or specked fruit.. Maintain an equal temperature, 
and do not admit much air or light. 
Kitchen Garden. It is not improbable that the severe frost of 
last month may have done much injury to the green crops in this 
department, especially to the Lettuce and Caulitlowers; therefore it 
will now be necessary to examine the winter plants, both under 
glass and in the open ground, and if much damaged, sow some seed 
of early Cauliflower, and White Paris and Brown Cos Lettuce, 
under glass, towards the end of the month, to be in readiness for spring 
planting. Take every opportunity during severe frost to wheel manure 
on vacant ground, and dig or trench every spare foot in open weather, 
so that the soil may get well pulverised by frost, to be in readiness at 
seed time. Sow, about the middle of the month, Daniel O’ Rourke and 
Sangster’s No. 1 Peas on a warm border; also some Mazagan or other 
early Beans in a similar situation, and strew some seed of the Long-pod 
in a warm corner, and cover with leaf-mould, to spear for planting in 
the open quarter next month. Radishes of sorts may now be sown in 
a warm border and covered with litter. Give air every opportunity to 
Cauliflower and Lettuce plants under glass. _ 
FLORISTS’ FLOWERS. 
Auriculas. Attention must be given to keeping them clean and free 
from frost (frigi domo is about the best covering), as any plants that 
are truss bare now, would be seriously affected in the bloom if caught, 
and we are now (Dec. 15) in the midst of severe frost and snow; do 
not brush the latter off the frames—it makes a warm covering.— 
Carnations and Picotees. Give air in fine weather, cover in frost, and 
keep the covering on during day, as the sunlight is injurious if they 
have caught the frost at all_— Dahilias. Keep dry, and look over occa- ~ 
sionally. If any mildew appear or moistness at the crown it should be 
removed.— Pansies. Keep free from damp, and give plenty of air in 
fine weather, and get compost ready for potting towards the end of the - 
month.—Pelargoniums. These should be making good progress if 
intended for showing, those for the late shows to be shifted, those for the 
early ones to have an increase of temperature, say 50° at night, and 
about 10° more in the day. Avoid overcrowding, and constantly turn 
and move the plants Give air when you can, but avoid draughts. Water 
as the plants grow, sparingly at first, but ore liberally afterwards. 
