JANLARY. 23 



decomposed leaf-soil to the ground used for bedding plants during 

 these last seven years ; but it has been dug two feet deep every other 

 year ; and nothing could have been more satisfactory than the result 

 has been. The application of manure in such cases tends to the 

 production of gross luxuriant growth, which is invariably followed 

 by a poor display of flowers. If, however, the beds be in such a con- 

 dition as to require some fertilising substance, use decayed leaves, 

 &c., and thoroughly incorporate them with the whole depth of soil. 

 In herbaceous or shrub borders, where it is inconsistent with tlie 

 well-being of the constant occupants to dig deeply, an annual dress- 

 ing of leaf-soil will prove highly beneficial. 



Fuchsias. Those first put to rest should be the ones selected 

 for forcing into early flower. These may now be potted, cutting back 

 their roots prett}'' hard, and using a small- sized pot, to be shifted on 

 into larger ones as the roots find their way to the outside of the ball ; 

 spur them back, confining any branch that may not seem disposed to 

 take the direction you would wish ; place them in a temperature of 

 50° by day, dropping to any point short of freezing by night. Seed 

 should be sown this month in a similar heat. Of seedlings that did 

 not flower last year, strike a cutting or two from each, destroying 

 the old plant ; by this means much room is saved ; for a plant ob- 

 tained in this manner will bloom earlier, and in a much smaller pot, 

 than the parent would have done. 



Greenhouses. In these fire-heat can generally be applied to 

 warm and dry the atmosphere ; but do not use it over liberally. For 

 the majority of plants usually grown by amateurs a temperature from 

 35° to 40° will be found more conducive to health than if a higher 

 temperature were maintained. Water must be carefully applied ; for 

 although a small supply will be sufficient, this is often so adminis- 

 tered as to drown some plants, while others are perished through the 

 opposite extreme. Whenever it is necessary to water, give sufficient 

 to moisten the whole ball of soil. It will be necessary here, as in 

 the case of frames, to keep a watchful eye upon damp. A little fire- 

 heat applied when air can be given will, with proper attention to 

 removing decaying leaves, prevent all danger from this enemy. 



Pansies. Very little attention will suffice this month. Prepare 

 the soil, and keep it dry for repotting those intended for blooming 

 under glass ; which operation should be performed about the 1st of 

 February, if the weather prove mild. Seedlings should be looked 

 over twice a week, pressing those firmly in the soil that have been 

 loosened by worms. Give but little water to those in pots ; should 

 severe frosts occur, the plants in the open ground will require some 

 protection. 



Pelargoniums. The plants which have not been stopped back 

 since heading down will now require a little attention, to spread out 

 their branches, that air and sun may be freely admitted. The way 

 in which this is done is as follows : tie a piece of twisted bast round 

 the outside of the pot just under the rim, and then fasten down 

 each branch to it at proper distances apart. This is at the first 

 going over them. At the second time, when the shoots are too long 



