96 THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. [April, 



Out-Doors. — There is at present a prospect of a fair average Fruit Crop if 

 tlie weather should be favourable during this and the next month, but as in our 

 changeable climate at this season of the year we have very great and sudden 

 changes of weather, and never know what the next forty-eight hours may bring 

 forth, it is the wisest course not to rely too much on fair weather, but to protect 

 the trees, wherever possible, whilst they are in bloom. — Grafting may be con- 

 tinued in the early part of the month, if not already completed. "Water newly 

 planted trees in dry weather. — M. Saul, Stourton, Yorlcsfdre. 



VEGETABLES. 

 Price out on to a slightly heated bed, formed of fermenting materials, the 

 early-sown Celery^ placing a light over the plants ; make also the main sowing 

 for the winter crop. Sow Dwarf French Beans in early localities, in a warm shel- 

 tered spot during the first week, making another small sowing or two later in the 

 month in other situations ; by so doing the chances are that if no late frosts of 

 any severity occur, early pickings will be the result. About the third week, make 

 sowings of Herhs^ such as Easily Parsley^ Chervil^ cfcc, upon soath borders ; also^ 

 Carrots^ Lettuce (Paris Cos), Brussels Sprouts, Borecole, Broccoli of the autumnal 

 and mid-winter sorts, Coleivorts (Eosette), Nasturtiums^ Marigolds (when wanted), 

 and Parsnips, if not previously sown, as before suggested. Radishes (Turnip- 

 rooted), Turnips^ Beet, Scorzonera, Salsafy, &c., will need sowing, either for 

 succession or main crops, the quantities being regulated accordingly. Cardoons 

 may likewise be sown along the customary prepared ti'enches, where slight pro- 

 tection will be afforded them. Prick out freely now the stock of autumn-sown 

 Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Onions, &c. Eun the hoe freely between all permanent 

 crops when the ground works kindly, being dry enough for the operation. Finish 

 planting Potatos at the earliest moment possible, and attend to the early earth- 

 ing-up of such of the former plantings as are already showing through the 

 ground ; also of such crops as Peas, Beans, Spring Cahhages, &c., always earth- 

 ing them up by anticipation rather than otherwise, as the advantages are greatly 

 nullified by leaving the operation until the base of the plant has been some time 

 exposed to, and hardened by, the action of the air. Prick off such of the 

 early sown Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli (early autumn). Lettuces, Savoys, &c., as 

 are so far advanced as to require it. Thin out the crop of Early Carrots in 

 frames, and cease giving more water to early frame Potatos. Tomatos must be 

 hardened off by exposing them gradually to the free outer air, so that at no 

 distant date they will stand uninjured in a draughty cool house. Sow a box or 

 two of Scarlet-Runner Beans, which, when up and forming the third or rough 

 leaf, will transplant readily into the open ground, and succeed moderately, if 

 stakes be placed to them forthwith, as a slight protection. 



In many instances some amount of Trenching, Digging, <fcc., will still remain 

 to be done ; especially will the quarters in which Cabbages and other late 

 S]orouts have grown need this. 



The Cucuniber frames should be getting well filled with growth, and hence 

 more air should be allowed, and a more liberal treatment followed. Shut up 

 close, after well damping the interior, about 4 p.m., maintaining a mean night 

 temperature of about 07'' ; during warm, mild nights, a little air should always 

 be given. Good growers are averse to high night temperatures. Place a dense 

 covering over such Sealcale as has been kept from growing, and so by keeping 

 the light and air from it, insure a tender, well-blanched supply ; no heat is 

 needed at this time to force it, as the weather and the natural growing season 

 will bring it on fast enough, and it is sudden fluctuations of temperature that 

 usually cause toughness. — William Earley, Valentines, Essex. 



