96 THE FLORIST. 



ground that has been well cleaned make a general sowing of Onions, 

 Carrots, and Parsnips. Have every space of spare ground well forked 

 over, and as speedily as convenient bring to a close the rougher 

 operations, wheeling, trenching, &c. Select the warmest situations to 

 forward a planting of Ash-leaf or . other early Potatoes, and where 

 vacancies are discovered among other early crops, the defects should be 

 remedied. 



Orchids should immediately have attention on the appearance of 

 their beginning to grow. Examine the drainage of those that may not 

 require more pot room, giving a dressing of fresh material, and add 

 fresh sphagnum and peat to those on blocks or in baskets. Keep a 

 humid moist atmosphere as the temperature is increased, and admit as 

 much light as possible by having everything around perfectly clean. 



Pansies. — The same may be said with these as with the Pink. In 

 January a very early bloom appeared to be almost certain ; there is not 

 much doubt now but that it will be a late one. Severe as the weather 

 has been, the plants do not appear to have suffered. 



Pinks. — The weather during the last month having been such that 

 no out-door operations could be proceeded with, our instructions then 

 given will do for the present time. 



Pelargoniums will require particular attention ; the branches should 

 be tied out to neat dry willow sticks ; arrange them so as to make the plant 

 as nearly semi-globular as possible ; keep the foliage clean and free 

 from a single aphis. Take care the water penetrates the entire ball of 

 earth ; examine the bottom of the pot, and if quite dry plunge it up 

 to the rim, and hold it for a few seconds in a bucket of water. 

 Remove the lower leaves as they become yellow, and v\^hen this is the 

 case give clear weak manure water until you see its invigorating effects 

 on the plants. Give plenty of space : the plants will occupy twice as 

 much when in bloom as they do now, and it is a great benefit to give 

 it them now. Give plenty of air and light ; avoid anything like a close 

 moist atmosphere, 



Roses. — Towards the end of this month the buds will probably show 

 signs of pushing ; so soon as this is perceptible pruning should be 

 finished without delay, and, as we have before mentioned, cutting always 

 to an outer bud. 



Roses in Pots. — To no plants, in a growing state, is syringing more 

 grateful, and to none more destructive of the anticipations formed of 

 their coming beauty, than the insects which will now prey on them, if 

 not sedulously hunted for and destroyed. 



Stove. — Endeavour to keep up a moist heat among those plants that 

 have been recently potted and are beginning to grow ; do not over water, 

 especially before the pots begin to fill with roots, and keep the fohage 

 healthy by keeping down insects, and have everything clean and neat. 



Tulips. — The cold February we have just experienced has been all 

 in favour of the Tulip ; there is much less chance of their being injured 

 by frost in IMarch and April than if they were as forward as usual. 

 Towards the end of the month, however, they will require protection 

 during cold nights and bad weather, such as snow, hail, or cold rain. 



