94 THE FLORIST. 



soil, as far as practicable, should be removed, fresh soil added, and as the 

 plants begin to grow they should have a liberal watering, and 

 particularly if the Hues or hot-water pipes pass along the side of the 

 beds. Keep the house gay with all kinds of forced flowers. Koses 

 should now be in abundance, and large and healthy pots of Sweet-briar 

 will be a great acquisition. By no means omit to have good specimens 

 of Dielytra spectabilis, tree Mignonette, and abundance of Violets ; and 

 where plants are wanted for vases, few things are more beautiful than 

 well-flowered specimens of Calla sethiopica. Attend to all things that 

 want removal from the conservatory, such as Azaleas, Orange-trees, 

 &c., &c. Select some of the finest kinds of Primulas, Cinerarias, &c. ; 

 mark the plants, and be careful of seed. 



Dahlias. — Take all the cuttings that can be procured this month of 

 kinds of which a large increase is required ; they will strike readily, 

 and make good plants. Roots of varieties of which but a little increase 

 is required may now be placed in a little heat — the bottom of a 

 Vinery, pit, or frame ; either will do, so that there is a mild gentle 

 heat. When the shoots are sufficiently long, divide the roots and pot 

 them, to make forward plants to turn out into the borders-. Strong 

 plants are necessary for this purpose, being more likely to be attacked 

 with slugs and snails in mixed beds than in open quarters. Pot roots 

 should be started into growth towards the end of the month ; a very 

 gentle heat is sufficient ; if forced too much the shoots from pot roots 

 become weak. Many of these small roots will make two plants ; those 

 that have an eye on either side of the crown should be divided. In 

 potting them use rich soil, filling the pot to about two-thirds, that it 

 may receive plenty of water, which they will require before the time 

 comes for planting out; four-inch pots will be found the most 

 convenient size. Seed may be sown towards the end of the month in 

 a strong moist heat. 



Ericas. — Attend strictly to the watering, and when necessary to 

 keep up much fire heat, be careful to give abundance of air throughout 

 the day. Remove all the decayed flowers from the winter flowering 

 species, and keep down mildew by dustings of sulphur. 



Flower Garden. — While the ground remains frozen, wheeling should 

 be prosecuted with all possible despatch, dressings brought on to the 

 flower beds, and everything in readiness for the return of favourable 

 weather. Give strict attention to the covering and uncovering of all 

 tender shrubs and plants, and in mild and favourable weather proceed 

 with fresh plantations where such are necessary. Allow no defects or 

 hollows to remain in the walks, but immediately have fresh gravel 

 laid and firmly rolled. Keep everything clean and neat, and frequently 

 sweep and roll turf edgings ; also lay down fresh turf where required. 



Fruit Forcing. — In the absence of fine weather for early forcing, be 

 careful not to push too rapidly. Let the atmosphere remain dry while 

 the Vines remain in flower, and allow the heat to rise considerably in 

 sunshine ; see that the heat of the border does not decline ; a good plan 

 is to thatch the fermenting material, and give it a coating of plaster ; 

 i. e., if the material is sufficiently heated and in good lasting condition. 

 Admit air with great caution, and as all Vineries (for early work) 



