96 THE FLORIST. 



and keeping the plant clean, both of green fly and dead foliage, will be 

 the principal things to do. There will, however, be some tying out of 

 the shoots of late plants. Fancies should now have a little extra warmth, 

 and seedlings all the room that it is possible to afford them. 



Pinks. — After stirring the surface of the soil, top-dress the beds with 

 good rich stuff", choosing an opportunity when the beds are dry. Any 

 vacancies caused by the winter should now be filled up, either by those 

 wintered in store pots for the purpose, or from stock beds. If the soil 

 has been much loosened by the action of the frost, press it firmly round 

 the plants when dry, but not before. 



Pinery. — Many of the large plants will now be " showing." When 

 in bloom keep the atmosphere rather dry ; by this means you will get 

 perfect and handsome shaped fruit. See that the bottom heat is always 

 regular. The whole of the young stock should be potted some time 

 during the month ; choose calm, mild days for the job. Strong vigorous 

 plants with good healthy roots may have a liberal shift. Pines will 

 grow in almost any soil not too gravelly or chalky. A mixture of turfy 

 loam and a little rotten dung answers admirably. Peat soil or " bog," 

 where it is plentiful, may be used, as Pines grow and fruit remarkably 

 well in it. When potted, plunge in a steady bottom heat of about 

 85°, and keep a moist growing atmosphere, but do not water until they 

 begin to fill the pots with roots. 



Roses. — Do not allow the very premature state of the Roses to 

 induce the commencement of pruning, as this can only tend to increase 

 (what we fear a late frost will constitute), the evil. But should a 

 reference to former calendars show directions for partial pruning — /. e., 

 the cutting out superabundant shoots — we noio say, delay it altogether 

 till the end of the month at the earliest. Planting. — Unless this is 

 concluded at once, all hope of bloom this year must be abandoned. 

 In pots, too, the plants are very forward, and our old enemies, green 

 fly and maggots, are not backward. Dtath or victory, must be the 

 motto. 



Tulips. — As we must yet expect frosty nights, keep the wet from 

 getting into the hearts of the plants. 



Verbenas. — Good healthy cuttings put in now will be in ample time 

 for flowering, either in pots or for bedding out. Healthy young plants 

 will succeed better than a large old stunted one. 



Vinery. — It has been favourable weather lately for early forced 

 Vines Vines in flower the latter part of January ought to have set 

 well, as we had many sunny days. Keep a moist atmosphere in the 

 early house until the Grapes begin to colour, but always mind and give 

 a little air in good time in the mornings, and in fine weather increase it 

 freely in forenoons. Attend to thinning the berries in other houses as 

 soon as they are set. Attend to disbudding and tying down the shoots 

 in late houses. Keep a moist atmosphere in all except when in flower, 

 when it should be rather dry. Water liberally all inside borders, and 

 occasionally with good liquid manure. 



