")4 TIIK FLORIST. 



choice variety is decaying-, or rotting downwards from the stem, 

 in which case it should at once be placed in heat to make growth 

 before it has gone below the eyes. Secondly, to see that the 

 fastenings of the labels are secure, which often rot from the 

 moisture of the decayed foot-stalk. If a large number of plants 

 are required of any particular kind, it should be put to work, 

 and the cuttings taken off when from three to four inches long, 

 and placed in moist heat ; they will soon become rooted : care 

 must be taken, in hardening them off, not to stop their growth 

 too suddenly, or to draw them up weakly. 



Nursery, Slough. C. Turner. 



Epacrises. — No alteration in the management of this flower will be 

 necessary till the blooming season is over, and the spring suffi- 

 ciently advanced to give them their annual shift. 



Whitehill. W. H. Story. 



Ericas.— As the days lengthen, and the sun sheds warmer rays, air 

 may be freely admitted ; water will consequently require to be 

 more frequently supplied : should the weather however prove dull, 

 with cold, cutting winds, shelter the plants from their direct in- 

 fluence as much as possible, without altogether preventing a 

 gentle circulation, that is, provided the thermometer stands at 

 32° or upwards : if freezing, shut close. By checking rather 

 than encouraging growth thus early in the year, you obtain finer 

 flowers by and by, as well as induce greater vigour in the grow- 

 ing season. Have all things ready by the end of the month to 

 begin potting in March. 



Whitehill. W. H. Story. 



Fuchsias. — Should the month prove genial, Fuchsias that have been 

 in a cold frame through the winter will begin to push : turn 

 them out, reduce the ball, cut back the roots, and repot, allow- 

 ing only a small amount of room over and above the space 

 occupied by the diminished ball. Spur them back in a way best 

 calculated to form a bushy head, place them for a week or two 

 in a moderately warm house, or, if returned to the frame, keep 

 close : water sparingly at present. Those selected for early 

 bloom have, or ought to have, been ere this started in heat, 

 and made sufficient growth to render occasional stopping neces- 

 sary ; an attention by no means to be neglected, as the future 

 beauty or unsightliness of the plant will be the consequence. 

 I do not recommend driving too last at first starting, but rather, 

 like a skilful whip, increase my speed as I proceed on the jour- 

 ney : a maximum temperature of 50° at day, and minimum of 

 35° at night, is most suitable. As the roots make their appear- 

 ance at the side, or through the hole at bottom, shift to the next 

 size larger ; always remembering that it is better to give two 

 slight shifts than one large. And here let me caution the ope- 

 rator against using compost too wet, or that has not been shut 



