1869.] THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 119 



plants. A cold frame answers well for them ; if mucli heat is used they 

 become drawn up and weakly. Abundance of air and light is neces- 

 sary for all hardy plants, especially if they are to be turned out into 

 the open ground. Bedding-plants, and others for ornamental purposes, 

 cannot have too much air, when weather will allow, to secure bushy 

 strong plants for turning out. Hardy annuals may be sown in the 

 borders ; some of them make a good show, though not so lasting as most 

 of the perennials. If annuals are wanted late in the season they may 

 remain unsown till May. 



Bulbs of all kinds, Carnations, Pinks, Pansies, and such like plants 

 in pots, must now have all the air possible, using the lights to keep off 

 heavy rains ; however, mild showers, when required, would be a good 

 watering, but no damp should be allowed to settle about the plants. 

 Auriculas may have their side shoots taken off if they are not wanted 

 to increase the stock ; in their absence the main flowers would be 

 finer. If top-dressing has not been given with rich compost, it should 

 not be delayed. Tender annuals should now be sown in a little heat. 

 Balsams, Cockscombs, and similar plants would do well for a time in 

 a cucumber frame. To grow them well, especially Balsams, they re- 

 quire bottom-heat and plenty of air given as they grow. When they 

 grow to their blooming size, they will do in an ordinary greenhouse, 

 but require to be taken gradually from a warm to a cold structure. All 

 plants will require to be more frequently watered — however, guarding 

 against extremes, and let it still be given in the mornings. More roots 

 and more active growth are a sign that more moisture is necessary. 

 When plants are potted give plenty of drainage, especially to any re- 

 quiring peat, such as Heaths ; place compactly over the bottom a few 

 large pieces, then a quantity of small ones, making a level surface ; 

 keep the soil w^ell packed round the ball in process of potting. Roses 

 may now be pruned, cutting out weakly growths and shortening 

 strong ones ; fork over the mulching and make the beds tidy. Strong 

 shoots may be pegged down to fill up. M. T. 



THE KITCHElSr-GAIlDElSr. 



No. III. 



{Continued from page 72.) 



THE GLOBE ARTICHOKE. 



This vegetable, though seldom or never met with in the gardens of 

 cottagers, is one that is very much esteemed at the tables of the 

 wealthy. It is supposed to be a native of the countries which sur- 



