174 THE FLORIST. 



columns, which are let into oaken sockets sunk in the ground ; 

 three on the north are eight feet out of the ground, and six feet 

 apart ; the three on the south are only three feet high ; thus pre- 

 senting the outline of a lean-to house. Three light rafters run 

 from back to front, on which a thin canvass rolling -blind is 

 mounted, acting by a pulley at one end, in the same way as for a 

 greenhouse ; for the end, a slight frame, with canvass strained 

 thereon, is made to shift as the position of the sun renders ne- 

 cessary. By this simple and inexpensive contrivance I effect the 

 desired object, and succeeded last autumn in preserving those 

 plants so situated altogether free from mildew. Plants that have 

 yet to bloom must of necessity receive such shelter as a house 

 alone can give ; but on all favourable opportunities throw each 

 cover and light open to their full extent. Examine each pot 

 daily, and water liberally those that emit the well-known ring. 



W. H. Story. 

 Fuchsias. — The principal attention that Fuchsias require this month 

 consists in watering, giving support to those seedlings that re- 

 quire it, tying out and arranging future growth of specimens, 

 and fumigating the house with tobacco the moment aphides are 

 detected. W. H. Story. 



Pansies. — These have been unusually fine this spring. Absence of 

 bright sunlight has kept the colours from running ; the late rains 

 will also be very beneficial in prolonging their beauty, and in 

 maintaining the size of the flowers. To this end, thinning the 

 young shoots should be continued ; water with weak liquid manure, 

 and shade very sparingly : shading helps the present bloom, but 

 spoils the plants ; it should only be resorted to in very hot weather, 

 a few days before the blooms are wanted for exhibition. 



Royal Nursery, Slough. C. Turner. 



Pelargoniums. — Look over specimens, and where there are any 

 young shoots that can be spared, they can be taken off, and two 

 or three put into a 3-inch pot, placing them round the edge. If 

 plunged into a gentle bottom heat, they will be ready to pot off 

 in three weeks, and by shifting them on as they fill their pots, 

 they will make good specimens for the next season. After the 

 plant is potted off out of the cutting pot, and you can ensure 

 three or four eyes, pinch the top out, and train the shoots out 

 as they grow. Seedlings of promise should have notes taken of 

 them, and cut down if not wanted for exhibition : let the plant 

 be dry before cutting down. J. Dobson. 



Pinks. — These plants are fast approaching their time of blooming. 

 If the weather should set in hot and dry at the beginning of the 

 month, a great supply of water will be requisite, and must be 

 given, to assist the swelling of the pods, and to insure a free 

 development of the blossom ; for if starved for want of moisture 

 at this period, the plants become infested with the green-fly, 

 grow lank and weak, and the blooms perish in the buds. Pre- 

 pare all requisites for blooming ; the glasses for forwarding, the 

 shades and tables, &c, and have all clean and fit for immediate 



