62 THE FLORIST. 



blooming varieties evary fortnight. The common white, Triumphans, 

 Optima, Rosea punctata, Speciosissima, Vivieans, Duke of Devonshire, 

 Murrayana, we find among the best for forcing, while the Variegata 

 class are more difficult. Azaleas, like Camellias, are benefited by 

 weak guano water when very prolific of bloom. 



Auriculas. — There has of late been sufficient moisture in the atmo- 

 sphere for these plants, but, as the days lengthen, more water will be 

 required. Towards the end of the month they may be placed on the 

 blooming stage, if not wintered there ; our plan being to keep them cool 

 during the two first months of the year, that the plants may swell 

 gradually, and not be brought prematurely into bloom. Top dress, 

 and keep clean of insects and dead foliage. 



Carnations and Picotees. — These are also on the move, from the 

 mildness of the season. However, be sparing with water for a time ; 

 but towards the end of the month let them have a good washing, should 

 there be a mild ram. The frames should be kept open as much as 

 possible. As potting time is at hand, and the soil prepared, care 

 should be taken not to let it get too wet. Early potting is preferable, 

 but planting in beds must be deferred till March. Old pots should be 

 washed before using. 



Calceolaria*, shrubby or half shrubby, will now propagate freely 

 from old stock plants. Those intended for specimens should be struck 

 in autumn, stopped now, and receive a liberal shift as soon as they have 

 broken. Herbaceous seedlings should now be repotted. 



Cinerarias. — Continue to thin out all superfluous leaves and small 

 suckers from show plants, and peg down or tie out, so as to admit the 

 light and air freely to the centre of the plants ; keep them on a nice 

 cool bottom in a pit that is heated, as near the glass as possible, or if 

 the pit is too deep, place them on inverted pots, so that the air may 

 have free access to the foliage. Fumigate occasionally and with great 

 care, as the young shoots and flowers are tender at this season. 

 Sulphur immediately on the appearance of mildew. A little weak 

 liquid manure may now be given to such as are full of roots. Ihrow 

 the lights open every favourable opportunity. 



Conservator// and Show-house. — The extreme mildness of the 

 season, as noticed last month, has continued up to the present time, 

 and has produced the best effects on winter flowering and forced plants, 

 which are blooming freely, owing to the large amount of air which the 

 season has permitted to the conservatory and forcing house. Guard 

 against damp and cold cutting winds, but in other respects keep down 

 the night temperature to 45°, unless you have a mixture of stove plants 

 in the house, when 5° more may be allowed. 



Cold Frames. — Now will commence a busy time for the propagator 

 of bedding stuffs, which at present we presume are wintering in frames. 

 The stock should be looked over, and of any kinds likely to prove short 

 of the expected demand, remove to where there is a gentle heat, 

 to f tree them into growth for cuttings ; this will more immediately 

 be the case with Verbenas, Petunias, Ageratums, and Lobelias. 



Dahlias. — Roots, particularly ground roots, have kept very badly this 

 season ; but as the propagation will now have very generally com- 



