32 THE FLORIST. 



should have the temperature raised gradually to about from 65° to 70° 

 by night, and 70° to 75° by day, with an increase by sun heat. Give 

 them a good watering with tepid water. See they have a steady bottom 

 heat of from 85° to 90°. Give some air when the state of the weather 

 permits. 



Pinks. — But little will have to be done this month. If the frost 

 should loosen the plants, press them firmly in the ground after a thaw, 

 and prepare rich soil for top dressing in March. 



'Pleasure Grounds. — Sweep and roll walks and lawns in open 

 weather. Do everything that possibly can be done at the present time, 

 so that routine matters may not be interfered with by-and-by. Plant 

 trees in mild weather. Mulch well round the roots of choice and 

 valuable specimens. Forward with all possible dispatch all alterations 

 — such as the changing of walks, the formation of new ones, the levelling 

 of ground, laying down of turf, &c. 



Stove. — Seize spare time to look carefully over the plants for insects ; 

 plants are easily cleared of them, if well looked over at this season. Keep 

 the night temperature as low as is consistent with the safety of the 

 plants ; in very severe frosty weather 55° will be quite high enough at 

 night. Do not let the atmosphere get too dry from fire heat. Attend 

 very carefully to the watering. Give air on all fine days. 



Strawberries. — Though the plant is more easily managed later in the 

 season, still, at this time of the year, a little management is required to 

 ensure a good crop. Have the plants near the glass. Give them all 

 the air possible, according to the state of the weather, and water care- 

 fully when necessary. Introduce a fresh batch of plants every two or 

 three weeks. 



Verbenas. — Now is an excellent time to excite into growth any kinds 

 required to be largely increased, so as to produce young cuttings, which 

 strike freely in sand and gentle heat, and make the best plants. 



Vinery. — The early house will now be in flower, and care should be 

 taken to keep up a steady temperature and a genial atmosphere. The 

 night temperature should on no account fall below 60°. Look to the 

 covering on the outside borders, and see that the heat does not decline. 

 Attend to the stopping and tying down of the shoots. Thin the berries 

 as soon after they are formed as possible. Start the second house ; 

 commence with a night temperature of 45°. Keep the atmosphere 

 moist. Water inside border. 



