56 THE FLORIST. 



to that time, and stable manure in somewhat rank condition ; the 

 quantity used is generally about twelve large cart-loads of the leaves, 

 with which two cart-loads of" the stable manure are thoroughly shaken 

 in and mixed ; these together produce a steady and a lasting heat, up 

 to the middle or the end of March; and, as the Rhubarb is planted 

 wide, there is space enough between the rows of plants on which 

 to place a single-light frame, which is useful for many purposes during 

 that period. 



When the Rhubarb no longer requires it, the material which formed 

 the hotbed is removed to another situation ; and as the leaves are only 

 very partially decayed, when fresh placed and thoroughly shaken over, 

 the mass again forms another hotbed, which is used perhaps up to the 

 middle of June. Should the heat be found to fail, it is of course easy 

 enough to increase it by linings in the ordinary way ; however, this is 

 but seldom necessary, and generally a sufficient amount remains to 

 produce the desired blood-heat from the bed on which Pink pipings, 

 and the earlier ones of Carnations, may be rooted. When no longer 

 needed or serviceable for this purpose, the heap is again turned over, 

 which process is repeated in the autumn, and once or twice during the 

 first winter and the following summer. By the commencement of the 

 second winter the heap has begun to assume the character of mould in 

 some degree ; and when this is the case the turnings over are more 

 frequent, and, should frost set in, the whole mass is exposed to its 

 influence. The following spring finds this material in a condition very 

 wtII suited to digging in to the Pansy beds, for instance, and many 

 other purposes ; but it does not form part of the compost which is used 

 for the growing of Pansies in pots until another year, by which time it 

 has the appearance of a dark-coloured mould. 



The above mode of preparation of leaf-mould is to be recommended 

 for various reasons, the chief of wdiich are, the use which is made of 

 the leaves so long as they wdll serve the purpose of a hot-bed, and the 

 frequent turnings over which are continued, I ought to have said, up to 

 the time of use, and which are so essential to the good condition of that 

 or any other soil. — S. 



{To be continued.) 



HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SCHEDULE FOR 1855. 



It is really gratifying to be able to speak of the Horticultural Society's 

 Schedule for the present year in terms of commendation ; several of 

 the alterations are decidedly in the right direction, and if the Schedule 

 should fail to satisfy all classes of exhibitors, which is probable, yet it 

 cannot fail to please a large number, and I hope the result will be 

 such an energetic support of the Shows as will induce the Council still 

 to extend the list of attractive objects for competition, and thus extend 

 the interest both of exhibitors and the public. 



The alteration of the day of holding the Exhibitions, from Saturday 

 to Wednesday, is very satisfactory, and will no doubt be felt to be a 



