48 THE FLORIST. 



Polyanthuses in pots should be top-dres«ed with a compost of 

 equal parts cow-manure, loam of medium strength, and leaf-mould. 

 Remove a little of the top soil, pick off decayed foliage, and earth 

 up a full half-inch above the stem of the plant, that the young spring 

 roots may early receive the benefit of the compost. Polyanthuses 

 require more water than Auriculas ; when they require it, let them 

 receive refreshing showers in temperate weather. Those in borders, 

 if not already done, should be earthed up forthwith ; slugs should 

 he killed by watering with lime-water. Sow Polyanthus seed, if not 

 already done. 



Ranunculuses. About the middle of the month, with a coarse 

 rake proceed to make the surface of the beds level, and not more 

 than an inch higher than the surrounding walks. If the quantity 

 of tubers be small, they may be planted with a dibble, so that the 

 crowns of the tubers are 1^ inch in depth, and 5 x 5 or 6 X 6 inches 

 apart. Seedling roots, though small the second year, require an 

 inch more space than older varieties, in consequence of their sub- 

 sequent vigour. If the quantity of roots be large, make drills a full 

 inch deep, and press the claws of the tubers carefully into the soil, 

 in order that the crowns may be the requisite depth, and the tubers 

 secured from rising by the natural swell occasioned by rapid ab- 

 sorption of a large amount of moisture. Rake level, and keep an 

 eye to the operations of lobworms. 



Roses in Pots. As last month, be careful when watering, &c. 

 not to break off the lengthening shoots, which the shghtest touch 

 will readily do. Fumigate for green-fly. 



Shrubbery. Where this department has been judiciously planted 

 and properly managed, it will be at this season the most interesting 

 part of the garden. The old and all but neglected Mezereon will be, 



" Though leafless, well attired and thick beset 

 With blushing wreaths investing every spray." 



One of the most delightfully fragrant plants which finds a home in 

 our climate will also be in flower during the present month, viz. 

 Chimonanthus fragrans. This well deserves and should receive the 

 shelter of a wall with a southern aspect, where it might have the 

 protection of a mat or a wooden shutter in case of severe weather. 

 It will thrive in any light sandy soil. Jasminum nudiflorum is a 

 plant well deserving of a place in even small collections ; it flowers 

 early, and is of considerable beauty. These, with the beautiful 

 Laurestinus, should be abundantly planted about every villa garden. 

 Planting should be finished as speedily as possible, as every day 

 which this is delayed after this month will increase the risk of failure. 

 In planting, have a careful eye to the future size and habits of the 

 plants. But never plant without previously having the ground pro- 

 perly trenched and prepared. In pruning, cut away such branches 

 of the less valuable sorts as will alFord space to the more desirable 

 varieties. Avoid deep digging of shrubbery borders. If the spade is 

 used at all, it should be merely to turn over the surface, so as to 

 give a fresh appearance. 



Tulips. Guard them from frost ; stir the surface of the bed on 

 a mild day. 



