52 THE FLORIST. 



we are sure will be appreciated by those who, in remote districts, 

 have found some difficulty in obtaining it. 



We had hoped to have drawn attention to this useful little 

 periodical in our last Number, but want of room precluded us from 



doing so. 



Rivers' s Miniature Fruit-Garden. 



Our space prevents our doing more than warmly recommending such 

 of our readers as are fruitists to procure this work. We will also 

 venture to sav, that it will induce those whose gardens are small to 

 become growers of fruit as well as of flowers. 



CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 



Auriculas, throusrh the month of February, will require careful pro- 

 tection from cold winds, &c. As the fibres of these plants begin 

 to move in the early part of the month, a mat or two should be 

 thrown over the frames at night, and towards the latter end may 

 be increased to three ; for by that time growth will be perceptible, 

 the foliage will begin to expand, and, with some, the trusses will 

 be shewing themselves. They will also be more tender, and 

 consequently require extra covering to ensure success. Give air 

 and light whenever the weather will permit, but close the frames 

 against frosty, drying winds. More frequent supplies of water 

 may now be given, and the quantity increased as the plants 

 advance in growth. R.ain is far more beneficial than artificial 

 waterings. The plants may be allowed to receive moderate 

 showers during the month, if the wind be either southerly or 

 westerly, more particularly from the middle to the end. 



Top-dressing. — Embrace the earliest opportunity to perform 

 this essential part of the business ; if the compost is ready and 

 the weather open, do it directly. At the same time, look over the 

 young stock in small pots, and select those most likely to throw 

 good blooms, or all that have filled their pots with roots, and 

 shift them into a size larger. This should be done without 

 breaking the ball of earth ; and if the fibres are much entwined 

 among the crocks that have been put in for drainage, do not dis- 

 turb them — they will do no harm if left. Wash or otherwise 

 cleanse all pots before using them a second time, prepare tallies, 

 crocks for drainage, and have every necessary in readiness before 

 commencing the work. Remove the top soil till you reach the 

 roots, which should not be disturbed more than possible. Take 

 away all offsets that have a shoulder or tap formed, to strengthen 

 the plant for blooming, and fill up with the fresh soil a little 

 above the bottom part of the foliage, so that the stem be well 

 covered. Plant the largest and best-rooted offsets in separate 

 pots, and those with fewer fibres two or more in a pot. Protect 



