94 THE FLORIST. 



take off a few cuttings, do so without delay, and put into heat ; they 

 will soon strike root, and if potted off and pushed on, will be ready at 

 bedding time. Cupheas, Lobelias, Verbenas, Petunias, and similar 

 plants may still be propagated. Bring forward creepers and annuals, 

 such as Phlox Drummondi, for planting out when the season arrives. 

 If the soil in any of the beds requires replacing with fresh, it should 

 be done without any loss of time ; also any turf to be laid should be 

 finished as soon as possible. Plant and cut Box edgings, turn gravel 

 on walks. 



Forcing Hardy Shrubs. — As soon as you remove any plants in 

 flower, fill up their places with others. Roses wiU now flower well, 

 also Lilacs and Deutzias. Weigela rosea forces well. Introduce good 

 plants, full of buds, of hardy Azaleas, Kalmias, and Rhododendrons ; 

 nothing looks more showy than they do when in flower. Keep up 

 a moist atmosphere, and give air in fine weather freely. 



Forcing Ground. — Keep up the succession of Seakale, Asparagus, 

 and Rhubarb, also of Mustard and Cress. Sow French Beans, 

 Tomatoes, Capsicums, Sweet Marjoram and Basil, and put into heat. 

 Sow Celery and prick out that sown last month either into boxes or into 

 a frame where there is a little bottom-heat and some nice soil ; keep 

 close until they begin to grow, then expose freely in fine weather. 

 Water Potatoes in pits. Sprout Potatoes and plant when ready. Put 

 some roots of Mint and Tarragon into heat. 



Fruit, hardy. — No time should be lost in seeing to the protection of 

 wall trees. Mats, canvas, or calico make a good covering. They 

 should be so contrived as to be put up or taken down at pleasure. 

 They should be let down every day, except in severe frosty weather, 

 cold cutting winds and snowstorms, as trees in flower require all the 

 light and air they can get. The branches of Spruce Fir make an 

 excellent covering, but they should be put on very carefully, so as not 

 to prevent the sun and air getting to the blossoms ; this is easily 

 managed by getting branches not very full of foliage, and thinning 

 out some of the side shoots ; they should be put on so as to stand 

 out clear two to four inches from the blossom ; this will break the frost 

 and yet admit sufficient light and air to the blossom. They should 

 not be put on until the flower-buds are beginning to open ; if put on 

 then, they will hold green and good until the fruit is set, by which 

 the foliage of the boughs will begin to wither and drop. We know of 

 no better protection for fruit trees than this is, when properly put on. 



Greenhouse : Hard-wooded Plants. — All young growing plants 

 may now be shifted ; have the pots clean and well drained. When 

 potted, they will not require much watering for some time ; and when 

 they are watered, it should be with the greatest care and attention. 

 Syringe occasionally in bright sunny weather. It is not necessary to 

 mention the several kinds of plants that ought now to be shifted, as all 

 young growing stuff in small pots will be benefited by it. A compost 

 of peat, turfy loam, and a Httle silver sand will suit many kinds ; but 

 there are some famihes that require more peat than others, and others 

 that require more loam, &c. In shifting plants, if the old balls be very 

 dry, they ought to be placed for a short time in a tub of water, before 



