286 THE FLORIST. 



seed, is, first, to secure as much vigour and hardiness in the progeny as 

 possible ; for this purpose, one of the parents, at least, should possess 

 these properties. New fruits will be valuable just in proportion to 

 their power of withstanding the unfavourable effects of our climate. 

 Next, that it should be an object to obtain seedlings which ripen 

 earlier or later than varieties now cultivated. An Apple, Peach, or 

 Apricot, which could be produced to ripen a week or ten days before 

 existing kinds, would be valuable ; and so with some kinds of fruit 

 which should ripen later. Thus it is very possible to obtain Plums as 

 late as the common Damson and Quetch, with a flavour approximating 

 to the Green-gage, and hardy enough for orchard planting. Again, 

 melting Peaches, of good flavour, have not hitherto been met with later 

 than September. We see no reason why Peaches ripening in October 

 and November should not be obtained of a good flavour ; indeed, we 

 know such will be the case, as we have one already in a recent intro- 

 duction — the Salway Peach — which melts perfectly, and is exceedingly 

 good, though ripening in November. We have said nothing of the 

 Grapes, from which great things may be expected, but hope our 

 remarks will put some of our clever men on the alert, and we 

 are confident we shall soon have an improved class of fruits. 



[Ed, " Florist."] 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — If not re-potted, let it be seen to at once, and but little 

 attention will be required for some time to come. Give plenty of air, 

 a moderate supply of water, look carefully for dead foliage and green 

 fly. Prepare a cool well-drained border, place the plants in a frame 

 on this, and, except in wet weather, take off the lights, that they may 

 receive plenty of air. 



Azaleas. — Plants that have their bloom buds prominent may be 

 kept out of doors until towards the end of the month, if the weather be 

 mild and favourable. Before being taken under glass they should all 

 be carefully looked over for thrips. Give the young plants more air, 

 and let them have all the light possible after this, so that the late 

 growths may ripen. 



Camellias. — In fine dry weather these may have a syringing now 

 and then. After heavy rains, examine the drainage of any that show 

 the least sign of its being imperfect. 



Carnations and Picolees. — Be attentive to watering, cut aU dead 

 foliage cleanly away from the layers ; these are the principal attentions 

 required for some time to come. Keep tolerably dry and well turned 

 the soil required for wintering the plants in small pots. 



Cinerarias. — Look well for mildew, attack it on its first appearance. 

 Use sulphur ; when properly applied it is a certain remedy. 



Cold Frames. — These should be cleaned, repaired, and made ready 

 for all manner of things : an empty frame oftentimes comes in very 

 useful when King Frost comes on us rather suddenly. Put a little 

 fermenting material into one, just sufficient to cause a gentle heat. 



