November- In the Flower Garden

Plant-Houses.

Orchid Houses.-During the dull days of November, all the inmates of these erections will need special care. Cattleyas that have matured their growth will now be in a dormant state, and those which have not yet attained full development should be carefully watered and have all the light obtainable. C. labiata will now be flowering, and must on this account be carefully attended to, both with regard to water supply and destruction of insect pests. Lcelia albida, L. anceps, L. autumnalis, and others will now be displaying their flower-spikes. It is not well to keep them too much on the dry side till the flowers are expanded, or they will be small. The atmosphere of the house in which they flower should, however, be fairly dry, or the flowers will be spotted. Cmlogyne cristata that are pushing up their sheaths must have special care, as this is a critical time with them, many of them turning black if too cold or too moist. A temperature of from 50° to 55° at night suits them well. Maxillaria pida, Masdeval-lia tovarensis, Fkione Wallichiana, and P. humilis, with some others, will be in flower, and they, combined with Cypripediums, Oneidiums, and JSygopetalums, will make a good display. Many of the Odontoglossum family will be in vigorous growth, and some will be sending up their flower-spikes. These should not be neglected, for at this season of the year, particularly if the weather be mild and wet, snails creep into the houses in numbers and soon devour the young tender spikes. Introduce into heat batches of Dendrobiums as soon as the flower-buds are sufficiently developed, so that they may be had in bloom early in the new year. The old Phaius grandifolius is another useful orchid for cutting, and if a good batch of this is grown, a succession oof flowers may be obtained by introducing the plants into heat at various periods.

Hothouse.-Much diligence must be exercised in order to entirely free the plants from all insect pests, during this and the ensuing month. Where it has not already been done, well wash the woodwork and all interior fittings of the houses. Change the shingle or whatever material the stages are covered with, or wash it in boiling water, and, having done this, clean all plants before they are rearranged. Winter-flowering Begonias should have liberal treatment, as should also those kept in small pots for decorative purposes. All bulbs, such as Gloxinias, Caladiums, Gesneras, &c, will now be at rest, but a small collection of C. argyrites may be started for early use. Pot on Ferns, Palms, and Asparagus, and other plants for foliage as they need it, in order that there may be plenty when wanted for ornamentation.

Forcing House.-Towards the end of the month many of the early-flowering shrubs anc Roses, that were potted up with the view of having them early in flower, may be introduced into leaf. They should be started in a low temperature (from 50° to 55° Fair.), and as the buds swell, the heat may be increased, providing the weather is mild enough to admit of free venti-ation. Such shrubs as Spiraea confusa, Thun-jergia, Prunus sinensis flore pleno, Lilacs, Deutzias, Clematis, Azaleas, Philadelphus, Viburnums, Rhododendrons, and Roses, all force admirably if the process is begun in gentle heat. To these may be added such plants as Spiraea, Dielytra, Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal), Lily of the Valley, &c. Some of the most forward bulbs may also be introduced, and these, together with Callas and other winter-flowering plants, will make a very varied display about Christmas.

Greenhouse and Conservatory: Very few flowers will now be found out of doors, so that more time and pains must be given to making these houses gay. There should be very little difficulty in achieving this, provided the instructions previously given have been carried out. Chrysanthemums, Abutilons, Chinese Primulas, Pelargoniums, Bpiphyllums, Habrothamnus, Daphne, Early Roman Hyacinths, Narcissi, Ericas, Salvias, Cyclamens, Tuberoses that have been grown in frames during summer, and other winter - flowering plants, should now be at their best, and if they are effectively arranged will be very pleasing. Summer-flowering Heaths and New Holland plants should be kept as cool as possible. Ventilate freely whenever the weather permits, and if any mildew appears, at once dust the parts affected with flour of sulphur. Water sparingly when the weather is dull, and if possible do so in the morning, so that the damp may evaporate before night.

Pits And Frames.

These will now be occupied to the fullest extent of their capabilities. Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose) should be potted or planted in them, if it is to provide a good supply of flowers about Christmas. In moving these plants get them up with as much soil as possible as they do not like their roots disturbed. Bou-vardias, to succeed those already in flower, should have weak supplies of manure-water. Cinerarias, whose flower-spikes are getting forward, and others that have filled the pots with roots, will need assistance in the same manner. Violets will require a free circulation of air on all suitable occasions.

Bulbs such as Freesias, Alliums,Lilium Harrisii, Tritonias, Tulips, Crocuses, &c, should have all the air possible to induce sturdy growth. Stake Mignonette that is coming into flower, and water with weak liquid manure. Auriculas must be watered carefully, but on no account be allowed to become dry. Material of some non-conducting kind should be put round the outside of wooden frames to exclude frost. Few things are more suitable for this purpose than fresh leaves. If these be placed to the depth of a foot, round the outsides, it will take a very severe frost to penetrate to the frame. Calceolarias and other half-hardy plants should have the lights kept off whenever there is fine weather.

Flower-Garden And Pleasure Ground.

Finish planting all kinds of bulbs that are intended for spring flowering, not forgetting Eanunculuses, Anemones, Hyacinthus candicans, Ixias, Sparaxis, &c. The ground should be covered subsequently with some rough litter to exclude frost. Gladiolus bulbs should be lifted and stored away safe from frost. Sweep lawns and collect leaves for making hot-beds and protecting half-hardy plants from the cold. Push forward the planting of all kinds of trees and shrubs while the weather keeps mild, and before the temperature of the soil is reduced so considerably as to check root action. Any alterations needed in the pleasure ground or shrubberies should now be undertaken, in order that the ground may get settled down again before spring. Plant Roses and protect them from the effects of severe frost by surrounding them with bracken or other rough litter. Lift and protect similarly any half-hardy herbaceous plants or shrubs before severe weather sets in. These include Euony-mus, Veronicas, Myrtles, Osmanthus, Desfon-tanea, Eurya, &c. Dig shrubbery borders and make the whole tidy before frost causes such work to be abandoned in an unfinished condition.