APRIL. 95 



Greenhouse. At no season of the year is good management of 

 greater importance than during the present month. If hard-wooded 

 plants can be brought into vigorous growth during this month, they 

 will, if properly attended to, make an astonishing progress dur- 

 ing summer and autumn. Carefully examine the whole stock, and 

 repot all such plants as have tilled their pots with roots ; after pot- 

 ting, it is advisable that they should be kept somewhat warmer, 

 ■which may be effected by giving less air where they stand. Water 

 must now be applied carefully, as plants frequently suffer much from 

 an insufhcient supply at this season. With the increased amount of 

 sun-light which we now experience, the temperature may be allowed 

 to range considerably higher than during the early part of the season. 

 The leaves of Camellias, Oranges, &c. should be thoroughly cleaned 

 by means of a sponge and soft water ; such plants are greatly bene- 

 fited by a thorough cleansing at least once a year, and it is hardly 

 possible to have them in perfection unless they receive it. Fumi- 

 gate whenever green-fly appears. Provide plants for autumn flower- 

 ing ; few things will be found more serviceable at that season than 

 the varieties of Japan Lilies ; these, and the beautiful Salvia splen- 

 dens, are of the easiest possible culture, and should be plentiful in 

 every amateur's garden. 



Hardy Fru it-Trees. Grafting and nailing should have been 

 completed before this time ; but if any work of this kind remains 

 to be done, forward it as speedily as possible. Continue to protect 

 wall-trees for some time longer, but endeavour to arrange the covering 

 so that it will admit light freely during the day-time. Peach-trees 

 will be ready for disbudding towards the end of the month; this should 

 be performed at three or four different times, allowing about a week 

 to elapse between each disbudding ; when done in this gradual man- 

 ner, the sap does not receive so severe a check as when the tree is 

 denuded of the greater portion of its leaves at once. Watch carefully 

 for insects, and use tobacco-water directly they make their appear- 

 ance. Examine Apricots for caterpillars, w^hich are so destructive 

 to them. Never allow insects to gain a footing, unless you are will- 

 ing to lose your crop of fruit. Recently transplanted trees will be 

 greatly benefited by a liberal watering, if the weather should prove 

 dry ; and it will also be advisable to mulch the ground, which will 

 prevent the necessity of watering so frequently as might otherwise 

 be necessary. The mowings of the lawn will be very suitable for 

 this purpose. 



Pansies, If flowers are required of large size, thin out the side- 

 shoots, whether they be wanttd for cuttings or not. Sow seed in 

 pans, in gentle heat. A bed may now be planted in a north aspect 

 for summer bloom. 



Pelargoniums. Several varieties that have not been stopped 

 back since heading down will be coming into flower this month ; 

 it will be well, where shading is used, to put the sashes on at once ; 

 and especially where the houses are glazed with sheet-glass, shading 

 keeps the flowers much longer in perfection. Destroy green-fly be- 

 fore they come into flower; fumigate two nights successively, and 



