192 THE FLORIST. 



crops, bearing in mind that by frequently stirring the earth between 

 and around growing crops, you assist vegetable growth immensely, and 

 add two-fold to the productive powers of the soil. In dry soils, mulching 

 is the sheet anchor of the gardener for getting quick-growing crisp vege- 

 tables, and we cannot too strongly recommend the practice, having 

 previously well loosened the surface. Half-decayed dung, leaves, or in 

 fact any litter which will cover the surface soil without blowing about 

 will do good. Peas, Beans, French Beans, Cauliflowers, Lettuces, 

 Spinach, &c, should be sown at intervals through the month. We find 

 a good early Pea, as Goliath or Sangster's, makes a good late one, but 

 the Mammoth is our favourite. Plant out Celery and Cardoons in 

 well-manured trenches, and on this plan the best crops of late Peas are 

 to be obtained. Tomatoes should be planted against south walls, or 

 on a warm border, to cover the soil. 



Melons. — The last crop of Melons may now be sown. Succession 

 crops earthed up. Reduce the quantity of water as the crop changes 

 colour, and increase the amount of air, to improve the quality of the 

 fruit. 



Pansies. — These must be propagated as often as fresh cuttings can 

 be obtained. They strike best on a shady border under small hand- 

 glasses. 



Pelargoniums. — The plants in flower will require to be carefully 

 shaded according to instructions given last month. Water freely every 

 morning, and give as much air as possible to keep away any moisture 

 that may arise at night and during dull weather. Stake and neatly tie 

 the later flowering plants as they advance in growth, keeping them clear 

 from insects. As soon as the early plants have done blooming, they 

 may be removed to a sheltered situation out of doors. Be sparing with 

 water, to enable the wood to become nicely matured before cutting 

 down. Seedlings should now be selected, discarding any which are not 

 decided advances on known kinds. 



Peach-house. — The ripening crop should have as much air as 

 possible, to give colour and flavour to the fruit. Fruit swelling may, 

 now there is plenty of light, have a more warm and humid atmosphere, 

 which Peaches delight in. When swelling off, be careful, however, to 

 keep the night temperature down. 



Pinery. — Fruit swelling off cannot well have too humid an atmo- 

 sphere, if attended with light. Tie up the fruit, to keep them upright. 

 Water may be given now liberally if the soil in the pots is in good 

 condition. Successions should be potted on and kept close to the glass 

 as they get full of roots. 



Tulips. — Beds that have been covered should now be uncovered, and 

 allowed all the weather, unless we get very heavy rains. Too much 

 moisture would be injurious. 



Vinery. — Ripe Grapes require plenty of air. The houses for 

 ripening Grapes for winter should have fire-heat when the weather is 

 cool. Keep down spider and mildew by free ventilation and applying 

 sulphur, mixed with lime, to the walls and heating apparatus. 



