MAY. 157 



cow-manure, of about four inches, and stir the latter in with the 

 sweetened soil four or five inches in depth. This done, cover it with 

 the soil thrown off, and leave it to settle for a day or two, when it may 

 be raked. Draw off stones and the coarser part of the soil, and reduce 

 the bed to an even surface, ready for planting ; first marking it out in 

 rows, about five or six inches distance each way, Proceed by planting 

 the roots two inches deep, taking care that the eyes are placed upwards, 

 which by a little careful examination will easily be discovered, for there 

 are generally a few of the small fibres left on the underside of the roots, 

 which will prove a guide to the inexperienced. When the roots are 

 all planted, carefully draw the earth over them with the back of a 

 rake, and be sure they are all safely covered. The time of planting for 

 an early bloom, is about the middle of September. These will flower 

 at the beginning of April, and will continue in flower for three weeks 

 and upwards. If the season be favourable for a second course of 

 bloom, a plantation should be made near the middle of October, or 

 towards the latter end. These will succeed the former ; and if some 

 roots be kept in reserve, and be planted in January or February, takino- 

 the opportunity of fine weather in either month, as it may happen, 

 they will succeed the second plantation, and thus afford a continuance 

 of flowers for nearly two months. 



Eugenia. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — These, before being placed out of doors to rest as it 

 were after their blooms, should be well fumigated, and care taken to 

 eradicate all dead foliage and aphides. Moderate rain will be beneficial 

 to them, but by all means avoid wet in excess. Pit lights might be 

 placed over the plants during heavy rains. 



Azaleas and Camellias. — Look at our former directions, respecting 

 the treatment of these plants. Camellias will now be out of bloom, 

 and should be encouraged to make wood, by keeping the house rather 

 closer and more humid, shading by day, and syringing the plants 

 well overhead ; this will induce them to grow freely. Where the plants 

 are grown with others, they will be benefited by being placed in a 

 Peach-house or vinery, with a moderate heat. When the blooms of 

 Azaleas are fully expanded, they should be removed to a cool shady 

 situation, to prolong their beauty. If exposed to the sun, many kinds 

 soon fade. 



Carnations and Picotees. — The time will have arrived for staking 

 these ; it is best to do this early, as the roots will not be so liable 

 to be injured during the operation, besides the advantage of securing 

 the flowering shoots as they grow, leaving no chance of their being 

 destroyed by wind. Nothing can be finer or in more vigorous 

 health than these plants at present ; the cold has not in the least 

 injured them. When we get a change, however, as we may, to great 

 heat, they at once become of a yellow tinge, but, to prevent this, care 

 must be taken to water them as often as they are dry, even if twice a 



