and rain
the flowers will be of a very dirty white. The roots of the winter
aconite, or, as it is sometimes called, "The New Year's Gift," should
now be planted in, if possible, a rather damp and shady situation;
its bright yellow flowers will be most welcome throughout the dull
months of December and January. It may be grown successfully under
the shelter of trees and shrubs.

* * * * *

Secure nice specimens of the forget-me-not, and plant in any damp,
shaded situation. A plentiful supply of flowers from early spring
onwards will amply repay any small amount of trouble entailed in
their cultivation. As the true forget-me-not (_Myosotis palustris_)
grows in most damp, boggy meadows throughout England it will cost
nothing to obtain it--except, perhaps, a pair of wet feet. The winter
aconite is likewise a native plant, but is rarely seen in a wild
state. Such spring-flowering perennials as the white arabis,
herbaceous candytufts, aubretias, primulas, and polyanthuses, should
now be placed in situations where it is desired for them to flower.
The majority of those just named thrive very well in almost any
moderately good garden soil, and under ordinary treatment.

* * * * *

The hardy annuals required for spring flowering which were omitted to
be sown during the previous months should now be done so with all
speed; the most suitable position will be in a box of light soil, and
the young seedlings may be protected from the severity of winter by
the box containing them being placed in a cold frame, which should be
covered by straw or other litter during very hard frosts. Although
the majority of annuals are of a very ephemeral character, few things
are more showy or more floriferous. Among many others we may
particularise the fragrant white-flowered alyssum, the blue, dark
purple, spotted, and white varieties of nemophila, white and pink
virginian stock, and the large yellow buttercup-like flowered
limnanthes. Batches of the annuals sown in August and September can
now be placed in warm spots in the open border, where, in all
probability, they will withstand the winter and flower duly in
spring.

* * * * *

The planting of flower-roots may be still carried on with vigour. As
regards the general work to be done now in the garden, we may mention
that in dry weather all walks and pathways should be s