THE FLORIST. 199 



well as the blooms of Dahlias, and should be trapped and got 

 under as soon as the plants are out. Rake the surface between 

 the plants as often as it becomes at all hard or run together by 

 rain. Tie the Dahlias as they grow. 



Royal Nursery, Slough. C. Turner. 



Epacrises. — Nothing to add to the directions given in last Number, 

 which apply equally to the present month. W. H. Story. 



Ericas. — The same. W. H. Story. 



Fuchsias. — Ditto. \V. H. Story. 



Pansies. — Gather seed, and continue to increase new or fine varie- 

 ties, which should be transplanted, as soon as struck, into a bed 

 prepared with light sandy soil. Shade during the hottest part of 

 the day, until they have taken hold of the ground. 



Royal Nursery Slough. C. Turner. 



Pelargoniums. — Those who are desirous of having stocking plants 

 must cut their specimens down boldly. A good example will 

 be found in our woodcut, see No. 14, page 37 ; indeed there 

 cannot be a better, — it was drawn from a two-year-old speci- 

 men which had appeared in our winning collections. Let the 

 plants become dry before using the knife, the wounds will heal 

 the sooner ; and when they are so healed, moisten, and keep them 

 close, to induce the eyes to break vigorously. When the shoots 

 are about an inch long, withhold water till dry, and then clear 

 away every portion of the soil about the roots, which should be 

 cut off with a sharp knife to within two or three inches, leaving 

 the fibrous parts. Repot them into some open soil with plenty 

 of drainage, and replace them in a close situation, or plunge 

 them in gentle bottom heat until they have thrown out their 

 fresh roots, when air may be freely given them. When cutting 

 down, select cuttings from those parts which have bloomed to 

 your satisfaction. We find it well to cut away any portion of 

 a plant that brings sportive or deformed flowers. 



Worton Cottage. J. Dobson. 



Pinks. — Put out the young rooted pipings as soon as hardened off; 

 " they succeed much better when planted while the fibres are 

 young. Prepare beds to receive them ; — the soil should be well 

 pulverised, that their tender roots may the more easily penetrate. 

 If a little half-rotted manure be added, and worked in with the 

 surface-soil, it will greatly facilitate the growth. In dry weather, 

 well water the soil before beginning to plant. Continue to take 

 cuttings till a sufficient number is obtained to fill the beds, and 

 a few extra pairs to provide for accidents. 



Peckham. J. T. Neville. 



Polyanthuses may be parted at the end of the month, if not done 

 in May last. Be sure to plant them deep enough ; so that the 



