THE FLORIST. 



75° which may be allowed to rise by sun heat to 85° and 90° : they 

 will also require a moist atmosphere. Plants in flower will require a 

 dry atmosjihere. Plants intended to fruit during the autumn must be 

 kept steadily growing. Water plants in fruit — give air daily. Keep 

 young plants of all descriptions in a moderate temperature — do not 

 attempt to push them too fast into growth, and don't allow them by any 

 means to receive any sudden checks. 



Finks. — But little will have to be done this month. If the frost 

 should loosen the plants, press them firmly in the ground after a thaw. 



Pleasure Ground and Shrubbery. — Should the weather prove favour- 

 able all kinds of shrubs should be planted without delay. Put a dressing 

 of manure or leaves round all new planted trees, to keep frost from the 

 roots. After snow storms be careful to have the snow shook off all 

 evergreen trees and shrubs ; we have often seen a fine specimen dis- 

 figured through neglect in this respect ; the weight of snow breaks the 

 branches. In mild open weather proceed without delay in pushing 

 forward trenching, digging, and alterations of every kind. 



Stove. — Plants in growth will require careful attention. Cut back 

 Clerodendrons, Allamandas, Justicias, &c ; remove some of the old soil 

 and carefully repot them. Bring on a few Achimenes, Gloxinias, and 

 Gesneras. Give air daily if possible, but avoid cold draught near 

 growing plants. Keep up a temperature of from 55 to 65 degrees 

 artificial heat. Water sparingly until the plants grow freely. 



Strawberries. — Put a batch of plants into the Peach-house or 

 Vinery ; place them on a shelf near the glass, where they can have 

 plenty of light and air. When the fruit is set, they should be removed 

 to a warmer place. To keep up a succession, a fresh supply of plants 

 must be introduced every fortnight. The temperature should at first 

 be low, and be raised gradually Plants in flower should have all the 

 air possible, otherwise they go blind. Fumigate for green-fly. 



Viner//. — Vines in action require careful attention ; those in bloom 

 need much care. A dry night temperature of 65° for Hamburghs, and 

 70° for Muscats, will make them set well. With sun heat it might 

 rise 10° or 15° more. If the roots are in a border outside, not only 

 must the frost be kept from them, but a steady heat of about 70° must 

 be kept up, if not from hot water pipes below, from fermenting materials 

 from above. Inside borders should be well watered. Tie down shoots, 

 stop laterals, and thin directly the berries are formed. Begin Vines just 

 started with a moist, genial atmosphere of 45° artificial heat, and in- 

 crease 10° or 15° in a month, always allowing a rise of 10° or 15° by 

 sun heat. 



During the frosty weather the florist should have a general exami- 

 nation of his stock of things necessary to the exhibitor. Travelling 

 boxes in time require repairing and painting. Exhibition stands should 

 be repainted annually and varnished. Then come shades, glasses, 

 stakes, cards, and Carnation pins, not one of which, after a season's 

 use, but will require looking over, to be put in order, that they may be 

 taken from the store and used at a moment's notice, when the time 

 arrives ; and as there should be a place for everything, let everything 

 be put away in its proper place. 



