1873.] GARDEN WOKK FOR JANUARY. 23 



the different houses advance in temperature for Vines, Peaches, Figs, &c., the 

 budding stuff may gradually be potted off ; or better still with Verbenas^ 

 AlteniantJieras^ frc, the store pots and boxes may be placed in heat to stimulate 

 growth ; then strike the tops, stimulate again for fresh cuttings, and ultimately 

 throw the old plants away. 



In the plant stove 60' to Go'' will be hot enough ; see that all insects are 

 extirpated before active growth commences ; prune all roof climbers, if not 

 already done, and thin the shoots ; prepare soil for potting. Start an early 

 batch of Caladiums^ Achimenes^ Glox/jiias^&c. Ts.eep AUainandas, C'le)-odeiidroiis. 

 Szc, rather dry at present ; they will flower the finer when heat, moisture, and 

 more intense light, issue the mandate to loosen the forcibly arrested growth and 

 let them go. Introduce to the forcing-house more shrubs, such as Azaleas, 

 Lilacs^ Jioses, Kalmias, Rhododendrons, &c., with Lilij of the Valley, Hyacintlis, 

 &c., and keep up a smart growing tempei-ature of from 55° to G5°. Keep the 

 greenhouse and conservatory cool — 45° to 50° ; water with care and thorough- 

 ness ; keep the air as dry as possible, else the moisture will spot and mar the 

 beauty of Camellias, among which over and under-watering are the chief causes 

 of bud-dropping ; little water is needed to enable the Camellia to open its flowers ; 

 it is when making wood that it drinks like a willow by the water-course. Many 

 Heaths are now gi'eedy of water, as most of them flower and grow simultaneously, 

 which makes all the difference between them and Camellias. Such plants, again, 

 as Ciitlsiis (Genista) and Acacia are greedy of water. Chinese Primroses, too, 

 require free watering, but not a drop should wet crown or leaf-stalk. Cinerarias 

 and Calceolarias must be kept clear of insects and freely watered — the former 

 with sewage, to give size and brilliancy to the blossoms. Pelargoniums — show 

 and fancy — should advance slowly ; keep the shoots thin ; stop any irregular 

 shoots, and water with care. Tliq Variegated varieties in pots require equal care. 

 The Zonals and Nosegays, so useful for pots should be stopped or grown on. 

 according to the season at which they are wanted ; the first batch for late April 

 or early May blooming should now have strong shoots, and be allowed to go on, 

 being kept near the glass. Nothing can exceed the usefulness of these plants 

 for in-door decoration. — D. T. Fish, Hardivicke. 



FRUITS. 



In-Dooes. — Pine-apples : Keep a steady bottom-heat of from 80° to 85^' 

 to plants in all stages ; attend carefully to the watering of fruiting plants ; 

 maintain a temperature of from 65° to 70° at night, and about 75° during 

 the day, allowing it to rise 8° or 10° by sun-heat ; raise the temperature 

 gradually to the plants for summer fruit to about 65° at night, and 75° by day ; 

 give the plants a good watering of tepid water, and admit a little air at every 

 favourable opportunity ; keep the succession plants steady at a little lower 

 temperature. — Vines: Attend to the stopping and tying-down of the shoots in 

 the early house ; maintain a temperature of about 65° at night, and 75° during 

 the day, whilst they are in blossom ; Muscats require a higher temperature for 

 setting ; thin the berries as soon as possible after they are set, and keep a genial 

 atmosphere ; avoid too much moisture ; nothing is worse than the too common 

 custom of throwing quantities of water on the floors of the house at this season ; 

 it may be good practice in the month of June, but not now ; keep the borders 

 inside well watered, and see that there is sufficient fermenting material on the 

 outside borders to keep up a nice heat ; keep a moist atmosphere in succession- 

 houses until the Vines break ; start later houses, beginning with a low tempera- 

 ture. — Peaches and Nectarines : The trees in the early house will now be fast 

 swelling their buds and coming into bloom ; admit fresh air at every favourable 



