376 THE FLORIST. 



have a good soaking of liquid manure. The outside borders should 

 have a good covering. If the weather be mild, fires w^ill not be 

 required for a few days. The night temperature for the first three or 

 four weeks should not exceed 40'^ ; the trees should be syringed two or 

 three times a day, and a moist atmosphere should be maintained. 



Pelargoniums. — (See paper in last number, page 347.) Tie out 

 the shoots of such plants as are intended to form specimens. 



Pinery. — The principal stock should now be kept rather dry at root. 

 A steady bottom heat and a moderate temperature are indispensable at 

 this season. Plants now showing fruit, and plants intended to be 

 started soon, should have a higher temperature, and wlien dry they 

 should have water — tepid, of course. In very frosty weather cover pits 

 at night ; this will obviate the necessity of using too much fire heat. 



Pleasure Grounds. — Continue alterations in favourable weather. 

 Plant trees of every description ; we removed several very large 

 Hollies the third week in December, 1855, during most severe frosts. 

 We removed them with immense balls of earth, which was completely 

 frozen ; and the trees having to be carried a distance of nearly a mile 

 we found it a great advantage, as two horses easily drew, when every- 

 thing was hard frozen, what four horses could not draw when the frost 

 was out of the ground. Every one of these trees look as well, and have 

 made as good growth, as if they had not been moved. Protect tender 

 trees and shrubs. Roll and sweep lawns when necessary. 



Stove. — Give air freely on all favourable occasions, and keep the 

 tempv,'-ature from 50° to 65° fire heat. Water when required. Look 

 out for insects. 



Strawherry-f arcing. — If these have been ridged as directed last 

 month, the roots will be perfectly safe ; but, in order to keep the frost 

 from the crowns, we recommend some hurdles or pea-rods to be placed 

 in front of them, but at a little distance ofF, and in very severe weather 

 some straw or litter should be thrown over them. The first batch of 

 plants should now be got in ; they should have a gentle bottom heat, 

 and but very little top heat ; they should have plenty of light and air 

 when the weather permits. The Black Prince for a very early sort ; 

 but, take it all in all, we have no better Strawberry yet than Keens' 

 Seedling. 



Vinery. — As the young shoots in the early house advance in growth 

 gradually raise the temperature, so that by the time the bunches are 

 beginning to open their bloom the night temperature should be about 

 65°. Look well to the coverings on the outside border. Keep a nice 

 growing atmosphere. 



