56 THE FLORIST. 



part of this month with a compost of equal parts cow manure, 

 loam of medium strength, and leaf-mould. (Decayed wood pile 

 is an excellent substitute for leaf-mould.) Remove a little of the 

 top-soil, pick off decayed foliage, and earth them up a full half 

 inch above the stem of the plant, that the young spring roots 

 may receive the benefit of the compost on their first putting 

 forth. Polyanthuses require more water than Auriculas ; let 

 them have the benefit of refreshing showers in temperate weather 

 as often as they require moisture. Those in borders, if not 

 already done, should be earthed up forthwith, and search made 

 for slugs at every opportunity. A little lime-water applied at 

 this time will assist to make a clearance of these pests. Apply 

 it on a warm day, and watch for their escape, for they are certain 

 to move if touched with the above liquid. Sow Polyanthus seed, 

 if not already done. J. T. Neville. 



Ranunculuses. — This should be an active month with the Ranun- 

 culus-grower : new sorts purchased, boxes of named sorts finally 

 arranged, soil in beds in good, clean condition, margin-boards 

 put down, having been previously repainted where necessary, — 

 all ready for the. important operation of planting. Proceed, about 

 the middle of the month, in fine weather, with a coarse rake, to 

 make the surface of the beds level, and not more than an inch 

 higher than the surrounding walks. If the quantit)^ of tubers be 

 small, they may be planted with a dibble, so that the crowns of 

 the tubers are 1^ inch in depth, and 5 inches x 5, or 6 X 5 

 inches distance from each other. Seedling roots, though small 

 the second year, require an inch more space than older varieties, 

 in consequence of their subsequent vigour. If the quantity of 

 roots be large, make drills a full inch deep, and press the claw r s 

 of the tubers carefully, but somewhat firmly, into the soil, that 

 the crowns may be the requisite depth, and the tubers secured 

 from rising by the natural swell occasioned by rapid absorption 

 of a large amount of moisture. Rake, level, and keep an eye to 

 the operations of a mischievous class of disturbers called lob- 

 worms. 



Wallingford, Berks. Carey Tyso. 



Roses in Pots. — The directions of last month are suitable for the 

 present. Be careful when watering, or otherwise engaged about 

 the plants, not to break off the lengthening shoots, which the 

 slightest touch will readily do. It is line upon line ; but we 

 must add, keep all plants clean of green-fly. J. Dobson. 



Tulips. — The only attention Tulips will require during this month 

 is to guard them well from frost ; and as soon as they are all 

 visible, carefully to stir the surface of the bed on a mild dry day. 

 Wycombe. J. Hunt. 



