160 THE FLORIST. 



advancing crops of Peas. We anticipate tall Peas will soon be given 

 up, as dwarf ones fully equal in point of flavour and productiveness 

 are now obtainable. Water should be given to newly-planted crops, 

 and mulch if required. Plant out Artichokes in well-manured 

 trenches ; they like a deep and rich soil. Lettuce, Cos and Cabbage, 

 sow a pinch every ten days, and on the best ground you have. 

 Ridge Cucumbers may be sown towards the middle of the month, 

 under handglasses. 



Pelargoniums will now be fast coming into bloom. Continue tying 

 and watering, according to instructions given last month. The blooms 

 as they expand should be well shaded from the midday sun. Bees 

 must likewise be excluded, as they cause the flowers to drop. The 

 blooms on plants intended for exhibition should be tied a few days 

 prior to being wanted, to give them a concise and neat appearance. 

 The late flowering plants will now require much attention. A cool 

 atmosphere, with thorough ventilation, is indispensable. Cleanliness 

 likewise must be looked to, and continue tying as required. 



Peach-house. — After the crops are fairly stoned, if the fruit is 

 wanted in quickly, a slight increase of temperature may be permitted, 

 accompanied with more water to the roots. The trees also should be 

 well washed once or twice daily, according to the weather. Tie in the 

 shoots of the succession houses, and attend to former directions. 



Pinks. — If large flowers are required, thin out the blooming shoots ; 

 also remove the small side buds. If dry weather continues, liquid 

 manure may be used advantageously. Pinks promise to be fine this 

 season. 



Strawberries. — If there is the convenience of a spare pit or frame, 

 very fine Strawberries may be obtained by taking the plants, after 

 having set their fruit, and plunging them in pits, in old Melon soil ; if 

 over a slight bed of leaves, so much the better. The fruit will swell 

 off to a large size, with little trouble, by this plan, and it will keep the 

 houses clear of spider, which is sure to get introduced with the late 

 Strawberries, when hot weather intervenes. 



Tulips. — Give the beds a good watering, before they show much 

 colour, if it continues dry. When in bloom, much water is liable to 

 flush the white, thereby destroying their beauty. Protect as before 

 described. 



Vinery. — As the crop in the early house ripens, keep the air dry 

 and cool, to improve the colour and flavour. The protecting materials 

 on the outside border should now be removed, and the border slightly 

 forked, finishing by laying a thin coat of very rotten manure over the 

 surface. The latest Vines will now be swelling their buds, and may 

 therefore be tied up to the trellis. Syringe them several times daily, to 

 induce a free break, but fire heat (excepting with Muscats) had better 

 not be applied until the bloom is about opening ; mind, that at no 

 season will Muscats set well without fire heat and a dry temperature 

 of 70° or 75°, and St. Peter's and other late Grapes will set very much 

 better if assisted with fire heat, to get the night temperature up to 70° 

 during the time of blooming. After the berries are set, fire-heat, 

 except for Muscats, need only be applied in cold wet weather. 



