152 THE FLORIST. 



throwing too much strength into the blossoms, numbers of the 

 stamens, or chives, are forced into petals, or parts of petals, and 

 thereby the object in view is in a great measure defeated. I 

 would therefore advise selecting a few of the most approved 

 sorts for this purpose, and marking them conspicuously before 

 commencing to thin out the general stock, which will call your 

 attention to them towards the latter part of the month. 



Seedlings. — Prick out seedlings one inch apart, and they will 

 not require another remove till finally planted out. Open the 

 surface of the soil occasionally, and keep them clean. Sprinkle 

 them now and then with the liquid manure recommended for 

 Auriculas. 



Polyanthuses, whether under pot-culture or in the borders, maybe 

 parted and transplanted as soon as out of bloom, except those 

 marked for seed, which should not be disturbed till the seed is 

 harvested. Seedling Polyanthuses that were sown early will now 

 be fit to plant out. Prepare a shady border for the purpose, and 

 plant them three or four inches apart for the present ; or finally 

 at six inches apart each way. Attend to watering them till well 

 established, and keep them clear of weeds, slugs, snails, &c. 

 Peckham. J. T. Neville. 



Ranunculuses. — Attend to the surface of the beds, and stop 

 cracks or holes. When the presence of wireworm is suspected, 

 set traps of sliced potatoes, or carrots, about an inch deep. 

 Bran, if kept moist, will be found a great attraction to them 

 when it begins to decay. Protect from frosts, which may be 

 apprehended occasionally in the mornings of this month. Harden 

 seedlings by exposure to air, but not to midday sun ; and about 

 the middle of the month plunge the seed-boxes, or pots, in the 

 ground, in the open air, in a sheltered situation. Water must 

 be regularly supplied until the plants have reached mature growth. 

 Wallingford. Carey Tyso. 



Roses in Pots. — Plants, of Teas, Chinas, and Bourbons, if stopped 

 back the early part of this month, will flower in July. 



J. Dobson. 



Tulips. — The Tulip bloom this year will be unusually early ; the 

 fine growing weather and warm rains of the early part of April 

 have caused them to grow luxuriantly. The buds are now fast 

 shewing colour. Get the top and side-cloths on immediately : the 

 top-cloth, being on pulleys, can be let down instantly when a 

 shower of rair or hail threatens. When they shew colour, the 

 direct rays of the sun must be excluded ; but let them have all 

 the air possible. If the weather be very hot and dry during the 

 height of the bloom, let the paths around the bed be watered in 

 the evening ; by this means the freshness and vigour of the blooms 

 will be considerably prolonged. As soon as the flowers begin to 

 fade, and the beauty of the bed to decline, take oif the cloths, 

 and expose the plants to the weather. 



Wycombe. J. Hunt. 



