70 THE FLORIST. 



avoiding, of course, cold drying currents of wind. If green-fly appear 

 in the propagating-franie, fumigate at once. More water will now be 

 necessary. See that the plants are all nioist, without being soddened. 



Dahlias. Cuttings of new varieties, or others much valued, 

 should now be put-in in large numbers. There is much less trouble 

 in striking them early in the season, before the sun has great power ; 

 yet there is a difliculty attending early propagation, in keeping the 

 plants dwarf, and also in preventing their becoming stunted in the 

 heart : avoid the two extremes. Common border-flowers should be 

 started in a little heat, that the root may be divided, leaving one 

 shoot to each division. 



Epacrises. Many will be in bloom ; the only attention neces- 

 sary during the blossom-season is, to see that w'ater is administered 

 when necessary, which will be more frequently required during the 

 usually drying winds of March. The stock-plants may be now 

 shifted, stopping all shoots that may be soaring above their fellows ; 

 by attending to this little matter now, the whole of the summer's 

 growth will be usefully developing itself, and all cutting back by and 

 by rendered unnecessary. Admit air freely upon all fitting occa- 

 sions ; preventing the entrance, however, of cold, cutting winds. 



Ericas. As the spring-blooming varieties are now fast advanc- 

 ing, it will be necessary to look them over ; finally arrange every 

 branch, supporting those needing it with thin green-painted sticks, 

 placed as inconspicuously as possible. Give the plants the bene- 

 fit of all air free from frost, avoiding side- draughts ; an increased 

 supply of water will be needed this month : do not deprive the plant 

 of the smallest portion of sunshine. The shifting of " stock" may 

 now be proceeded wdth on mild days, also the late-blooming sorts 

 towards the end of the month. 



Flower-Garden. If any alterations in this department are in 

 hand, they should be finished with the least possible delay, more 

 especially if they involve removing or planting shrubs. This kind 

 of work should be performed during autumn ; but wdth great care 

 and a plentiful supply of water it may be done at almost any season. 

 Finish pruning tender Koses, &c., and get every spot into the neatest 

 possible order. Vacant ground, intended for the reception of " bed- 

 ding plants," should be lightly dug as soon as the surface becomes 

 somewhat firm and dry. This will greatly improve the texture of 

 the soil, especially if it is of a heavy nature. Hardy annuals may be 

 sow'n where they are intended to bloom. If an abundance of such 

 things as Stocks, China Asters, Marygolds, &c., are sown in some 

 spare corner, they will be found useful. Make a memorandum of 

 any attractive plant which may be in flower during the month, par- 

 ticularly such as can be easily removed to make way for the bed- 

 ding plants, and attend to the propagation of such at the proper 

 season. Clean and roll gravel and grass if necessary. Remember 

 that if grass is to be under good keeping during any part of the sea- 

 son, there is nothing gained by allowing it to get six inches high 

 before it is cut. If not already done, dress ground occupied by 

 herbaceous and American plants. Leaf-mould is an excellent article 



