216 



THE FLORIST. 



Polyanthuses. Pick off all dead leaves, and hoe the surface 

 between the plants ; taking care to well earth-up the stems at the 

 same time, and as much as possible secure them from the attacks of 

 slugs. The weather at this season is generally favourable for the 

 destruction of this pest ; and if the surface-soil in the beds is care- 

 fully stirred occasionally during hot dry weather, but few can escape. 

 Seedlings shewing flower this month should be examined, and a mark 

 placed on the promising and good flowers. Polyanthuses in pots 

 should be treated after the manner of the Auricula, 



Ranunculuses. Preparations should now be made for next 

 spring. Manures can be mixed, composts turned, beds excavated, 

 much better now than in February ; the soil will work now in better 

 condition, and have time to settle. The first sowing of seed may be 

 made in boxes of any portable size, and six inches deep. Place them 

 under glass, as a protection from heavy rains, but not in a close 

 frame. As the seed should not be more than a sixteenth of an inch 

 deep, regard must be had to supplying an even amount of moisture : 

 excess of either drought or rain is ruinous. 



Tulips. The bulbs will now be at rest, safely, it is to be hoped, 

 in boxes and bags, where they should remain until attention is again 

 required. They should, however, be occasionally looked over, in 

 order to ascertain how they are keeping. If mouldiness attack them, 

 it should be carefully removed, and the boxes or bags well aired on a 

 dry day. 



