MARCH. 93 



they will make compact handsome bushes for decorating the conserva- 

 tory or greenhouse — for bedding out it is not too late to strike cuttings 

 of the best shrubby kinds for the pnrpose ; such as Aurea floribunda, 

 Prince of Orange, Yellow Prince of Orange, Pallida, Beauty of Mon- 

 treal, Kayii, amplexicaulis, viscosissima, and coccinea minor. 



Carnations and Picotees. — The season has been such that, early as 

 it may appear, the strong growing varieties should now be potted, as 

 such will be getting pot-bound in the small pots, and the sooner they 

 have an opportunity of getting established permanently in the soil they 

 are to bloom in, the finer it may be expected, as well as a larger increase 

 of stock. Pot firmly and secure any long plants with small sticks ; 

 if there is any greenfly on the plants, give them a good smoking with 

 tobacco or tobacco-paper before taking them from the pit. The latter 

 end of the month will be soon enough for planting out in borders. We 

 advise expedition, as being in favour of large blooms. 



Cinerarias. — As the spring is now advancing, great care must be 

 taken with large specimen plants, to see that they do not suffer for want 

 of water, for much will depend on this, in keeping good foliage round 

 the pot. Tie out as wide as possible, keeping the shoots as near the 

 surface of the pot as convenient without a risk of breaking them. 

 Keep them as thin and as near the glass as possible, and syringe until 

 in flower every favourable opportunity, as this will tend to assist the 

 foliage, and develop the young bud. Give weak liquid manure occa- 

 sionally. Look to seedlings as they come into bloom, and select the 

 brightest colours for the ensuing season. Sow in a shady situation for 

 early autumn flowering, and as soon as large enough transplant and 

 keep in a cool shady situation through the summer. Prepare compost 

 by throwing up into a heap good turfy loam and partly decomposed 

 stable manure. 



Conservatory and Show-house. — We remember nothing like the 

 mildness of the season, up to the time we write. Plants not usually 

 blooming till March and April are now in full beauty, and the conserva- 

 tory will be gay with Acacias, Camellias, Azaleas (Chinese and forced), 

 and all the plants mentioned under the head of forced shrubs in our last 

 notice, to which may be added bulls, Mignonette, Violets, stove plants, 

 and Ferns. Do not, however, overcrowd the house, or you will mate- 

 rially damage the permanent plants by overdrawing them, and inducing 

 the sides and lower parts of the plants to make weak growth, or perhaps 

 die altogether. Temperature as last month. 



Cold Frames. — Push on with all kinds of propagating, so as to have 

 plants established somewhat by the beginning of May, that they may 

 be hardened before finally planting them. Pot off what autumn struck 

 cuttings yet remain in store-pans, particularly Geraniums and the like. 

 Sow seeds of Stocks, Lobelias, Neirembergias, Maurandyas, and other 

 greenhouse plants for turning out ; also of the many varieties of Canna 

 or Indian Shot, which as foliaged plants make admirable beds, and for 

 mixing with other things. Consult the many catalogues ; for among 

 the things advertised as new many are worthy a trial. And who is not 

 ambitious to have a new bed in his garden ? Attend particularly to 

 fine-foliaged plants and ornamental Grasses, which make interesting 



