46 THE FLORIST. 



the glasses with which the cuttings are covered should be frequently- 

 taken off and wiped dry ; and water must be very carefully applied, 

 indeed very little will be required. 



Dahlias. Observe if any choice variety is decaying or rotting 

 downwards from the stems, in which case it should at once be placed 

 in heat, to make growth before it has gone below the eyes. 



Epaciiises. No alteration will be necessary till the blooming 

 season is over, and spring sufficiently advanced to give them their 

 annual shift. 



Ericas. Give air when it can be done with safety: have all 

 things ready to begin potting in March. 



Flower-Gardens. The present month, although still character- 

 ised by a paucity of flowers, will furnish more than the last. The 

 gay and varied -coloured Crocus, if provision was made at planting 

 time for a display of its showy flowers, will supply a rich mass of 

 colourc The Snowdrop will also be in full blossom, and no garden 

 ought to be without an abundance of it. The winter Aconite will 

 also lend its mite of interest and variety to the scene. These are all 

 plants of easy culture ; and they may be removed after flowering to 

 a spare corner, where they will perfect their growth, and prepare for 

 the next February. They are cheap, and they pro|)agate themselves 

 rapidly. Get every corner dug, so that the soil may be exposed to 

 the influence of the weather. Sweep and roll gravel-walks and grass, 

 and keep every spot in the neatest possible order. If any alterations 

 are projected, they should be proceeded with as rapidly as possible ; 

 all should be finished in the course of the month. If a supply of the 

 early-blooming annuals was sown in the reserve-garden last Septem- 

 ber, these should be transferred to the beds towards the end of the 

 month ; or if sown now, they will come into flower towards the 

 middle of May, and will be acceptable during the time in which the 

 beds would otherwise be very deficient of flower. 



FucH;:iAs. Should the month prove genial, the plants that have 

 been wintered in cold frames will begin to push : turn them out, re- 

 duce the ball, cut back the roots, and repot them. Spur them back 

 in a way best calculated to form a bushy head, place them for a week 

 or two in a moderately warm house, or, if returned to the frame, keep 

 it close ; water sparingly. Those selected for early bloom have, or 

 ought to have been ere this, started in heat, and made sufficient 

 growth to render occasional stopping necessary ; this should not be 

 neglected. Do not force too much at first ; like a skilful whip, ra- 

 ther increase the speed as you proceed on the journey ; a maximum 

 temperature of 50° by day, and a minimum of 35° at night, is most 

 suitable. As the roots strike the side or bottom of the pot, shift to 

 the next size larger, using compost that has been shut up for at 

 least a fortnight in a stove. Cuttings may be struck in gentle heat, 

 covering with a handglass. Sow seed in pots in heat to induce early 

 germination, or in all probability the plants will not bloom till the 

 following year. 



Greenhouse. As the amount of solar light will be considerably 

 more this month than last, the temperature may be allowed to range 

 some 5° or 10° higher, but be sparing in the application of fire-heat. 



