We see that January is not an ideal planting month, and that those who have fruit and other trees and shrubs to put in will generally do better to let January be a month of preparation than of planting.

Wintry weather may bring much outdoor work to a standstill, but if it means no more than frost, it does not cause complete paralysis. Any carting or heavy wheeling that may be needed can be done with advantage when the ground is hard with frost. The pruning of fruit trees may be carried on also.

Such ground work as digging and manuring cannot be conducted with economy and safety when there is snow on the ground, and snow must never be dug in.

The making of paths and roads can be carried on. Showery weather is by no means bad for this work, as the rain helps to "bind " the ballast.

Lawns can be made in winter by laying turves if the ground is free from snow and not sodden, always provided that there is freedom from frost.

In warm greenhouses Begonias, Gloxinias, Sweet Peas, and Lobelias can be raised from seed; and Chrysanthemums and Winter Carnations can be propagated by cuttings. Bulbs in pots must be kept under observation, lest they spoil in the plunging material. Air and water are required by early bulbs that are making free growth. Tubers of Begonias and Gloxinias may be started if early bloom is required. Roses may be potted and pruned, in order to give flowers in late winter and spring.

Little will be doing in the flower garden, beyond ground work and turfing. It is true that Rose beds and herbaceous borders may be planted as well as prepared, but March is generally a better planting month than January. Any mechanical work, such as making fences, erecting arches, constructing pergolas or building summer-houses may be pursued. Let it be remembered that mere ground work, such as forming beds and borders, and deepening and manuring soil, is, however unheroic, essentially important. On the quality of the winter work turns the beauty of the summer garden.

Vines and Peaches may be started in heated fruit houses if early crops are wanted, but in other cases the work will be merely preparatory. For instance, Vines may be pruned, and houses cleansed.

There will be little sowing or planting in the kitchen garden, but early Broad Beans and Peas may be sown if the ground is dry enough. Cucumbers, Cauliflowers, Tomatoes, Peas (in boxes), French Beans (in pots), and Onions may be sown under glass. Asparagus, Seakale, and Rhubarb may be forced. Potatoes may be planted in pots or frames; in the latter case, Radishes and Carrots may be sown between them.