94 THk FLORIST. 



same proportion for larger or smaller plants ; tie out the main branches 

 to give air to the centre ; a strong break will be much facilitated by 

 a month or six weeks' confinement in a stove heat ; water liberally, 

 but avoid the direct influence of the sun's rays. Cuttings taken from 

 half-ripened wood will strike tolerably free in silver-sand, covered 

 with a bell-glass, and placed in a shady part of a stove. In potting 

 Epacrises, use the compost as for Ericas. 



Ericas. Water freely ; air during mild days. Shift "stock," 

 and later-blooming specimens. 



Flowkr-Garden. Swelling buds and expanding blossoms render 

 April one of the most delightful months of the year. True, the best- 

 furnished gardens will be deficient in floral beauty compared with 

 future months, but there will, nevertheless, be enough of colour and 

 variety to aflford much gratification to the simple lover of nature. 

 Many of the early Tulips are exceedingly beautiful ; these, with 

 Hyacinths and other spring bulbs, together with hosts of bright- 

 coloured perennials, will yield a rich return for the little attention 

 which their cultivation demands. But these things are mentioned 

 here more for the purpose of calling attention to the loss sustained 

 by those who neglected to provide for a display of them, than with 

 the view of giving directions concerning them. An occasional visit 

 during the month to the garden of a neighbour who cultivates such 

 things will do more to recommend them than any thing in the shape 

 of written directions or advice. Choice Annuals may be sown any 

 time during the month where they are intended to flower. Secure 

 abundance of Mignonette and Stocks, which are among the sweetest 

 and best of our Annuals. It is a very good plan to sow a quantity 

 of the better sorts of Annuals upon a bed of light soil in some spare 

 corner, where they can be thinned so as to keep them dwarf and 

 bushy ; and should it be found that the stock of half-hardy plants is 

 insufficient to meet the demand, these may be transplanted, and with 

 a little care and a few waterings, they will suflfer nothing from re- 

 moval. Get ground intended for the reception of plants wintered 

 under glass into the kindest possible state ; heavy soils will be greatly 

 benefited by an occasional digging when the surface becomes dry, 

 and a dressing of quick-lime when the ground is in that condition 

 will render such soils much easier worked. The pruning of tender 

 Roses should be completed at once, if not already done. Any plants 

 upon walls should have their shoots regulated ; and every thing should 

 be got into the neatest possible order. Box will require to be 

 trimmed, and grass edgings cut straight, and lawns should be rolled 

 and cut regularly during the month. Gravel- walks will also require 

 cleaning and rolling. 



Fuchsias. Keep them growing; syringe overhead at least once 

 a day, also sluice the paths of the house to increase humidity. In 

 giving the final shift, add a double handful of bone-dust to about a 

 bushel of compost, — it is an excellent support to the plant during 

 its flowering season. Water once a fortnight with a weak solution 

 of guano-water. Shade in sunny weather ; admit air in the middle 

 of the day from the roof ; never let them flag for want of water. 



