04 TI1E FLORIST. 



additions to ordinary flower gardens, by infusing variety. Propagate 

 Dahlias, Salvias, Bouvardias, tall Lobelias, and other similar plants by 

 the young shoots thrown up from the roots, or by making cuttings of 

 the roots themselves. 



Dahlias. — March is the best month for propagating the Dahlia ; 

 cuttings struck now have time to make fine plants, yet are not too early 

 to become stunted; therefore propagate freely, and when sufficient cut- 

 tings have been taken, divide the roots, to make a few strong early 

 plants. Sow seed towards the end of the month, in a brisk heat. 



Forcing Ground. — Potatoes, of well known early kinds, as the Early 

 Oxford, Ashleaf, and Royal Dwarf, may now be planted freely in frames, 

 over a gentle heat, as the disease will not affect them at this season to 

 the extent it often does earlier ; let the soil be sandy and free from 

 manure. Thin out Carrots and Radishes sown in frames ; and prick 

 out into low pits or frames spring raised Cauliflowers, Lettuce, and 

 Celery, for future transplanting. Keep up a succession of forced Kale, 

 Asparagus, and Rhubarb. It will save a great deal of trouble 

 and risk from the attacks of insects, if a pit or two could be devoted 

 to the culture of the French Bean, instead of growing them in vineries, 

 &c. The pits, however, must be provided with some means of heating. 

 The best forcing varieties are the Newington Wonder, and Early 

 Mohawk. 



Flower Garden. — A good time this (if not done in autumn), for 

 taking up and dividing the roots of perennial herbaceous plants. Per- 

 manent bulbs must on no account be touched now, as they will be 

 commencing to grow. Phloxes, Asters, Delphiniums, and other plants 

 of this class, when the roots have grown too large should be divided and 

 the best portions planted again in fresh soil ; due regard should be paid 

 to the height and colour of each at planting, that they mix well as 

 regards colour ; and where the beds can be seen from all sides, the tallest 

 should be arranged in the centre, falling gradually to the edge. Mark some 

 of the best Polyanthus and Auriculas for seed ; these and Hepaticas 

 when done blooming, may be divided and replanted for increasing the 

 stock, and in the same way Russian Violets and common Violets may 

 be treated. A few hardy annuals may be sown for an early bloom, and 

 those sown in autumn should be well thinned out, to allow them to stand 

 singly, when the bloom will be much finer.* Finish the pruning of 

 Roses, except the Tea and China sections, and a few of the Gallicas, 

 Provins, and Alba classes, which may be left unpruned till April, to 

 run the chance of a very late bloom. Rose beds on poor soil should be 

 well manured. 



Fruit (Jiardtf). — The remarkable mildness of the season has brought 

 the Apricot, and in some places the Peach, into bloom. This is an 

 unfortunate state of things, for in all probability we shall have a winter 

 of more or less intensity, when the coming crop will be placed in the 

 greatest jeopardy. The only plan to adopt is to keep off the covering 

 while the mild weather lasts, but have your protection, in ample quan- 

 tities, ready for use when wanted. Wash Apple and Pear trees, whose 

 stems have become mossy, with hot lime and water, to which add a 

 little salt. 



