THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 343 



flower a month or six weeks before the usual time if they are simply 

 placed in a genial temperature of about 50°, without bottom-heat, 

 but a mild bottom-heat, as suggested above, is preferable. It will 

 also be well to observe that if possible the plants should have the 

 benefit of an intermediate temperature before their removal to the 

 conservatory, and failing that, place them in the warmest part, and 

 be careful not to open the ventilators near them. 



Azalea amoena is one of the prettiest subjects we have for early 

 flowering, and although usually treated as a greenhouse plant, it is 

 as hardy as a rhododendron. Its lovely rose-coloured flowers form 

 a charming contrast to the next on the list. 



Deutzia gracilis is certainly the best white-flowei-ed plant we 

 have for early flowering. 



The Persian Lilac is also extremely useful, as much for the 

 beauty and fragrance of the flowers as the ease with which it can be 

 grown. Both the lilac and white varieties should be grown for early 

 flowering. 



Double-Jloioerinq Plums and Peaclies are first-rate, and must have 

 a prominent position where forced flowers are in request, the former 

 for its beautiful pure white daisy-like flowers, and the latter for its 

 lovely shades of rose, crimson, and carmine. 



Almonds give us a pleasing shade of pink, and must not be passed 

 over. 



Rhododendrons and Ghent Azaleas are grand for conservatory 

 decoration, but they must be forced slowly, as also must the Kahnias 

 and Andromedas. 



Poses must not be forgotten, but the plants for forcing must be 

 well established in pots, or they will not flower well. 



The best hardy herbaceous flowers for our purpose are Spiraea 

 (Hoteia) Japonica, Dielytra spectahilis, and the Lily of the Valley, 

 especially the striped-leaved variety. The variegated variety of 

 Lilium Kicanso,fl. p>l; has a very beautiful appearance when grown 

 in a little warmth. There are many other suitable subjects, but it is, 

 perhaps, best to name a few only, and thus save the reader the 

 necessity of having to make the selection himself. 



EOUGH-AKD-READY GAEDENINGL— No. VI. 



HE code of instructions usually given for planting, and 

 the after-management of fruit-trees, is so elaborate 

 that it frequently frightens the amateur out of the idea 

 of cultivating a few fruits for his own consumption. 

 Half the stereotyped directions are useless, and are 

 ignored by the writers of them, so we may suppose their object is 

 to make that appear difficult which is in reality quite easy. 



There are, of course, a few rules to be observed in connection 

 with the management of fruit-trees, but as we proceed it will be seen 

 that they are few, simple, and such as the merest novice can readily 



