24 THE FLORIST. 



to draw down in this way, lay some sticks across the top of the pots, 

 securing them to the bast under the rim. By these attentions the 

 plant soon attains its required form, and the young- shoots in the 

 middle of the plant, where they were crowded before, have that 

 light and air admitted to them which is so essential for their health 

 and vigour. Where sticks are required in training these young 

 shoots, carefully avoid pushing them amongst the roots. Get soil 

 ready for shifting, and put it into the house, that it may acquire a 

 similar temperature before beginning the operation, which you may 

 do any time towards the latter end of the month. Look over seed- 

 lings frequently ; pick off fogged leaves ; water only when abso- 

 lutely required ; turn the plants round occasionally, and break up all 

 variegated-leaved ones, and those that throw blind shoots, or have 

 cankered stems. 



Polyanthuses. Tliese plants may be kept moderately moist if 

 under pot-culture, but in other respects they should be treated as 

 Auriculas. Those grown in borders should he looked to ; see that 

 the stems of the plants are not exposed, and if so, earth them well 

 up to the foliage before frost sets in. 



Pinks do not suffer much from still frost, strong cold winds are 

 far more injurious ; any protection that can be given to break this 

 force will be attended with advantage — such as branches of fern 

 placed on the northern and eastern side of the beds, or between the 

 rows. 



Ranunculuses. If the beds are not ready, lose no time in the 

 preparation of them. If the soil of the garden be not good loam, or 

 somewhat retentive in quality, such must be procured. It ought 

 not to be used fresh from a pasture, but laid up in a ridge, turned 

 over, and reduced by exposure to air and frost till brought to a 

 uniform texture. Old manure must be added, mixing it well with 

 the loam. Make the beds two spits deep, and fill up with compost 

 to about the level of the paths. As much of future success depends 

 on making up the beds well, the attention of the Florist is urged to 

 this particular. Do not spare a little trouble or expense in begin- 

 ning well. 



Roses in Borders. Prune at two different times, the hardy 

 varieties immediately, and the more tender ones in February. Pro- 

 tect the latter from frost by fastening about their heads fern or 

 spruce and yew boughs ; but not so thickly as to prevent some little 

 circulation of air. Those plants in pots which were cut down early 

 will be starting their eyes, and the little Rose-maggot will soon be 

 found busily at work. Look sharp after it, not once, but frequently, 

 or it will soon destroy the blooming-buds. Keep green-fly down by 

 fumigating on their first appearance. 



Tulips. Mild weather sometimes causes the green-spike to ap- 

 pear above ground earlier than is desirable ; when this is the case, 

 they must be protected from frost by double mats on low hoops, 

 or by wrapping them up in straw or felting ; but all these must be 

 removed in mild weather. 



