THE FLORIST. 31 



crowned with fine flowers. If I have used the term, " arm-chair 

 article," I have no wish to do so offensively ; but I have witnessed 

 so much injustice done to practical men by writers, that, for one, 

 I shall always stake my practice against their theory ; adding, 

 that my plants are open to inspection at all times, and what I 

 write may be tested by their appearance ; and for this purpose, 

 at this the most trying time of year, I say to all : Come and see 

 for yourselves. Get the soil ready for shifting, and put it into 

 the house, that it may acquire a similar temperature before begin- 

 ning the operation, which you may do any time at the latter end 

 of the month that suits your convenience. Seedlings. — Look 

 these over frequently ; pick off fogged leaves ; water only when 

 absolutely required ; turn the plants round occasionally ; break up 

 all variegated-leaved ones, those that throw blind shoots, or have 

 cankered stems ; and let hope animate you to persevere in the 

 attempt to obtain those novelties so much desired by every lover 

 of the Pelargonium, and which we shall be glad to see produced, 

 and heartily welcome from any quarter. J. Dobson. 



Worton Cottage. 



Polyanthus. — These plants may be kept moderately moist, if under 

 pot culture ; but in other respects should be treated as the Auri- 

 culas. Those grown in borders should be looked to ; see that 

 the stems of the plants are not exposed, and if so, earth them 

 well up to the foliage before frost sets in. J. T. Neville. 



Pinks. — Pinks do not suffer much from still frost, strong cold winds 

 are far more injurious ; any protection that can be given to break 

 this force will be attended with advantage — such as branches 

 of Fern placed on the northern or eastern side of the beds, or 

 between the rows. J. T. Neville. 



Ranunculuses. — If the beds are not ready, lose no time in the pre- 

 paration of them. If the soil of the garden be not a good loam, 

 of somewhat retentive quality, such must be procured. It ought 

 not to be used fresh from a pasture, but laid up in a ridge, turned 

 over, and reduced by exposure to air and frost till brought to a 

 uniform texture. Old manure must be added, mixing it well 

 with the loam. Make the beds two spits deep, and fill up with 

 compost to about the level of the paths. As much of future suc- 

 cess depends on making up the beds well, the attention of florists 

 is urged to this particular. Do not spare a little trouble or 

 expense in beginning well. Carey Tyso. 



Walling ford. 



Roses in Boroers. — I prune at two different times, the hardy 

 varieties in December, the more tender ones in February. Pro- 

 tect the latter from frost by fastening about their heads fern, or 

 spruce and yew-boughs ; but not so thickly as to prevent the 

 circulation of air. John Dobson. 



Roses in Pots. — Those plants which were cut down early will be 



