FEBRUARY. CS 



rarely they ever get injured by the frost, as we always go over them 

 daily in frosty weather, and draw a little soil over any we see peeping 

 through. By this simple plan we always get Potatoes out of doors 

 early in June — a week or so earlier or later according to the season. 

 The Potatoes and Peas come off about the same time ; and we generally 

 plant this border afterwards with Cauliflower and Walcheren Broccoli, 

 at three different times — one part of it about the 1st of July, another 

 about the 15th, and the remaining part about the 30th of July : these 

 come into use during October, November, and December. 



Melons. — These require careful attention in watering, potting, &c. 

 Keep them in a steady bottom heat and a moist growing atmosphere, 

 and as near the glass as possible ; by this means the plants will be 

 strong and stiff, and after planted out, if properly attended to, there will 

 be no disappointments in the dying-off suddenly. Poor, lanky, weak 

 plants always require careful nursing, and, notwithstanding, they often 

 cause serious disappointments ; but strong, stiff, healthy young plants, 

 when planted in a good loamy soil, and with a regular bottom and top 

 heat, and attention to watering, training, and thinning of the shoots, 

 &c., will always give the greatest satisfaction : — this, therefore, is a 

 point well worth attending to. 



Orchard House. — In severe frosty weather protect the roots. If 

 towards the end of the month the weather be mild, see if any of the 

 trees are very dry at root ; if so, give them some water. Give all the 

 air possible on mild days. 



Fansies. — Now is the time for a general repotting of all that are 

 intended to be bloomed in pots. The size of the pot to be used depends 

 on the strength and vigour of the plant. If for exhibiting in pots, the 

 rules for the guidance of exhibitions must be attended to ; eight-inch 

 pots is the size generally used ; six-inch however is quite large enough 

 for many varieties. Towards the end of the month top-dress beds 

 with rich soil ; if half- rotten manure so much the better. 



Peach House. — Trees in flower should have all the air possible. 

 Houses just commenced will not require much fire heat if the weather 

 be mild. Syringe two or three times daily with tepid water. See 

 Calendar for last month. 



Pelargoniums. — These will now begin to grow, and must have 

 especial attention in watering, room, and air. In watering, care should 

 be taken that the soil is well saturated to the bottom of the pot. Tie 

 out the shoots of specimens as they grow. If late bloom is required 

 from young stock, such plants should now be stopped. Sufficient room 

 and cleanliness are the two principal things to attend to for the successful 

 growth of the Pelargonium. 



Pinery. — Get soils under cover, that they may be in a proper state 

 for potting when wanted for the general shifting, which is approaching. 

 See that the whole stock of plants has a regular bottom heat ; they will 

 now require a little more water and a slight increase of temperature. 



Pinks. — When the soil is sufficiently dry, stirring it on the surface 

 will be a great advantage, pressing it firmly round any plants loosened 

 by the frost at the same time. Top-dress similar to that recommended 

 for the Pansies, either late in February or early in March. 



