3/4 THE FLORIST. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Azaleas. — A few of the earlier sorts should be put into heat ; when 

 in bloom, they are beautiful objects for the conservatory at any season, 

 but more particularly during the winter months. Those intended to 

 liower late should be carefully attended to with regard to watering, 

 ventilating, and heat. They should be kept safe from frost, without too 

 much fire heat. 



CamelUas. — These will now be rapidly advancing into bloom ; they 

 should have a little air on fine days, but guard against cold currents of 

 wind. They should be well watered when they require it. Keep the 

 house moderately warm, but do not overdo it with artificial heat. 



Carnatio7is and Picotees. — The foliage of these plants should be 

 kept dry ; neither from rain nor watering should the plants receive it 

 overhead, and but sparingly at root. At this season a general cleaning 

 is required, trimming oft' all dead foliage. Expose the plants on every 

 occasion that the weather is fine, by pulling the lights off. 



Cinerarias. — If not already done, give those for early bloom a final 

 re-potting. If large dwarf specimens are required, the plants must 

 have plenty of room, elevated near the glass. The foliage should be 

 opened by pegging down the large outer leaves close to the rim of the 

 pot. This admits light and air to all parts of the plant, giving strength 

 to the shoots, and ultimately size and brilliancy to the flowers. 



Cold Frames. — Guard against everything likely to encourage damp. 

 Give air whenever the state of the weather permits. Water only 

 when absolutely necessary, and then in the forenoon. Cover up well 

 at night, to guard against frost. 



Conservatory and Show-house. — Every care should be taken to 

 make these as attractive as possible at this season ; taste in the 

 arrangement will do much to accomplish this. Chrysanthemums will 

 be at their best the early part of the month ; remove any that are 

 going out of flower. Epacrises, Heaths, Camellias, Begonias, Cine- 

 rarias, Primulas, &c., will do much to make a good display ; add to 

 these a few plants remarkable for fine foliage, and there will be no 

 difficulty in making them gay. The early-started Tulips, Roman 

 Narcissus, and Hyacinths will also assist to make them lively. Keep 

 everything clean and orderly. Give air freely on all favourable 

 occasions, but guard against cold draughts. A little fire in the day 

 occasionally will be necessary to dry the house ; a little will also be 

 required at night in frosty weather, but as little as possible should be 

 used at this season. Water any plants that require it ; it should be 

 done in the morning, so that everything may get dry towards night. 



Cucumbers. — There will be no scarcity of Cucumbers now, if our 

 previous directions have been attended to. If you wish your plants to 

 continue bearing until Midsummer, do not let them carry too many 

 fruit at one time, especially at this season ; nothing would be more fatal 

 to their well-being than over-bearing in the absence of bright solar 

 light. Keep a night temperature of about 65°, and from 70° to 80° 

 during the day. Be careful they have a regular bottom heat. 



