JANUARY.

Southland Times, Issue 615, 7 January 1867, Page 2

JANUARY.

The opening month of the year corresponds to sn English -7 uLy in season iind in temperature — in drying wind and in all the characteristics of an English midsummer, with its bright sunshine, dry atmosphere, ami inoreas'ng warmth, slightly intensified. These at- -o^pheric conditions usually attain their greatest intensity about the end of the present and the commencement of th»ensuing month. It ib, therefore, a matter of penulirir importance in gardening to finish the planting and sowing of winter vegetables during the earlier perio-i of the month, while the ground still retains a portion of the moisture acquired during the usually showery month of P'-ceruber; f>r if the operations of planting and sowing are carried on while the soil is dry, the sun bright, and the winds parching, the eham'eß of successful garden* ing must necessarily become greatly diminished. Seize, therefore, the < ommencemeiit of (he month for the planting of London and Walelieren cauliflowers ; imperial white winter, and other sorts of flowering broccoli; early York, nonpareil, and drumhead cabbages ; globe savoys, Brussels sprouts, curled greens, and other varieties of Winter vegetables. Transplant also cabbage and cos lettuce, green curled endive, leeltß and celery, planting the latti-r vegetable in well manured trenches in the shadie >t and moistest portion of the garden; if desired to be very large and fine, it must have frequent copious waterin-is during the dryer portion of the season; for, being a naturally rapid grow'ug eemi-acquatic plant, it requires a rich moist boil when under artificial cultivation. Sow broccoli, creßs, mustard, endive, lettuce, Trench, beans, radishes, onions, carrots, swede, yellow Aberdeen, and white stone turnips; and rink yet a final sowing of peas and broad beans, which will be fit for gathering about the beginning of April, if they escape the contingency of early Autumn frosts. Gather all sorts of garden seeds as they ripen. Hoe adraucing crops of cauliflowers, and shade with their own leaves large heads of nearly matured crops. Earth up the crops of celery, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other winter greens planted in December.

The following painful circumstance is stated by the Hokitika Ecening Star: — <#A very la--ge number of our readers >vill remember the Stevens Troupe, and the difficult featß that the different members so easily accomplished. We are deeply grieved to hear, however, that a frightful misfortune has happened that will cause painful memories in connection with their feats for Borne time to coma. It appears that the troupe, after various engagements, were fulfilling one in Victoria. As will be remembered, there were two intelligent active little fellows, about six and •ight years of age, sons of Professor Ste^ ens, who were in the habit of going through certain exercises with him. One of these was throwing the youngest child in the air, when he alighted on his feet without hurt or apparent danger. Thi» no doubt had been done hundreds, if not thousands of times in safety, but unfortunately on the last occasion the little one came to the ground on his head instead of his feet, any dislocated the vertebrae of the neck, causing instant death. The horror of the lookers on was only exceeded by that of the unhappy father, and the fearful event so preyed on his mind as to render him insane. He is now confined in an asylum. "We are indebted to Mr Bartlett for these particulars. We are sure that there are none who saw the troupe's wonderful performances, but will deeply deplore so melancholy and fetal • totMtropno."