THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



15 



are new and fine, both in quality and 

 colour. 



The cuttings should be made as soon 

 as they can be taken clearly above the sur- 

 face-soil, and, though many growers take 

 the cutting below the surface, it is not so 

 good, in my opinion, as when taken clearly 

 above. The wood is harder, and that free 

 growth cannot be obtained as from the 

 soft wood of the surface-cutting. Young 

 shoots, from one and a half to two and a 

 half inches above the surface, are quite 

 long enough for the purpose. Take the 

 cutting in the left hind, and with a sharp 

 knife remove the lower leaves, with the 

 eye ; this prevents it throwing up suckers 

 during growth, and enables the grower to 

 show a clear single stem, if two or three 

 joints without eyes are left above the sur- 

 face. 



The striking is done in a cold-frame, 

 or by bottom-heat. When struck in a 

 frame, care is required in watering, other- 



wise they are liable to damp off. If struck 

 by bottom-heat, avoid getting them into 

 a rapid growth at this season of the year. 

 The compost best adapted for them in 

 their younger stage is of good fibrous 

 loam three parts, of leaf-mould one part, 

 of silver-sand sulfleient to take the water 

 through. This compost holds good until 

 they reach, and are established m, 32-size 

 pots, which, with an early plant and a 

 steady growth, progressive, with regular 

 repotxings, will be in March, by which 

 time I propose to give further directions. 

 The stopping of the pompone differs ac- 

 cording to the habit of the plant. In all 

 cases, however, the first stop should be as 

 soon as the grower can ensure from six 

 to eight eyes ; afterwards, continue stop- 

 ping at every fifth or eighth joint, accord- 

 ing to their length and the style of grow- 

 ing. 



James Hoi/land. 

 Spring Grove, Isleworth. 



REMINDERS EOR JANUARY. 



Azaleas in bloom keep warm and well 

 supplied with water ; the night tempera- 

 ture should be 50° ; plants to be retarded 

 keep at 40'. Ventilate as often as weather 

 permits. 



Auriculas water only enough to prevent 

 getting dust-dry, and choose mild weather. 

 Cleanse from dead leaves, and in so doing 

 guard against injuring the collar of the 

 plants. Keep the frost out of the frames 

 if possible. 



Asparagus put in for a succession ; 

 cover with three inches of mould over a 

 6teady sweet- heat. 



Bulbs may still be planted, and bloom 

 well, though late ; but it is an injury to 

 them to be left so late. 



Camellias in bloom keep at 45° by 

 night, and 55° to 60' by day, and with 

 plenty of water. Plants for late flowering 

 keep only just safe from frost. 



Cinerarias to be sorted over, and those 

 showing trusses to be encouraged in in- 

 termediate house. The strongest of those 

 not showing trusses may have another 

 shift to make fine specimens for late 

 bloom. Use sulphur if any signs of mil- 

 dew, and secure against frost. 



Conservatory to have enough fire to 

 keep away frost and damp. See that the 

 deciduous are in neat trim before they 

 flower. Put the forward bulbs at the 

 warmest end, and the hard-wood plants 



at the coolest. Stove plants introduced 

 in flower must be kept comfortable. 



Carnations must have air as often as 

 possible to prevent mildew. Beware of 

 damp, especially after frost. 



Cucumbers in full growth will want 

 linings, as the frost soon reduces the heat. 

 Sow in pots for succession, and plunge in 

 dung-heat. 



Dahlias to be looked over, and those 

 of which stock is wanted, to be got to 

 work. Choice sorts are best got in for 

 roots, and get them at once if not secured. 



Fuchsias may be started gently for 

 cuttings in March, and for specimens to 

 bloom early. 



Forcing. — A temperature of 50° night, 

 and 60' day, will bring on roses, daphnes, 

 lilacs, weigelias, kalmias, azaleas, double 

 plum, almond, and peach, and other of the 

 showy spring flowers, with very little 

 trouble. Keep a moist air, and beware of 

 crowding. 



Greenhouse. — Ventilate whenever wea- 

 ther permits, and drive out damp with 

 fire-heat, but be in no haste to set things 

 growing. Mildew will appear occasion- 

 ally on the top shoots of geraniums ; cut 

 at once to a sound joint. Keep the floor 

 very clean. Training specimen plants is 

 a pretty task when out-door work is at a 

 stand-still. Prepare for the busy season 

 by securing compost, pots, crocks, etc. 



