IGO THE FLORIST. 



Pines. — As the fruits go out of bloom apply the syringe, and keep 

 the internal air of the pit damper. Shading in very bright weather will 

 be required, to preserve a more genial growing heat. The bottom heat 

 must be kept steadily ; 85° to 90° is ample, night temperature 68°, 

 rising by day to 85°, and closing at 90° on sunny afternoons. Water 

 hberally now fruiters as well as successions, as the roots are getting into 

 active growth. Successions will require larger pots towards the middle 

 of the month ; pot them in fibrous turf alone, and supply the rest by 

 liquid manure. The temperature noted for fruiters will now apply to 

 younger plants, if near the glass. Syringe daily, or take other means to 

 keep the air moist ; evaporation is excessive this weather, and should 

 be counteracted by artificial means. Syringing, the steam of dung 

 linings, or evaporating troughs to the apparatus, must be brought to bear 

 on this point. 



Pinks. — Thinning out the side shoots, and disbudding those re- 

 maining, will be the principal work this month. The number to be 

 left will depend upon the strength of the plants, and the known 

 properties of the flower — some being what is termed thin, others too 

 double, with the various intermediate grades. Keep them moist if 

 the weather is dry. Use liquid manure when the buds are swelling, 



Roses. — From the backward state of most recently removed plants 

 the buds of many are still dormant ; and where so, pruning should 

 be delayed until the cut can safely be made to a strong outer bud. 

 A good watering with liquid manure and mulching the surface after- 

 wards will be beneficial. In warm situations the Rose maggots will 

 be making their appearance — strive to make their exit prompt on 

 their entrance. Roses in pots will require close attention ; many will 

 now be in their freshness and beauty, delighting all with their 

 fragrance, as well as with their delicate tints of colour. Syringe 

 every morning until the blooms expand ; liquid manure " as before." 

 Roses out of doors are very late this season; but we hope for a 

 better bloom than 1854 produced. Many of the tender kinds, such 

 as the Teas and Bourbons, have suffered very much this quarter. 



Strawberries, Early, have not been very first-rate this season with 

 us, owing to the cold weather we experienced while the plants were in 

 bloom. Do not allow plants swelling their fruit to get dry ; manure 

 water should be occasionally given to assist them. Strawberries in 

 bloom require a dryish heat and plenty of air, see therefore this is the 

 case ; and the same treatment is requisite after the fruit changes 

 colour. A portion of the earhest forced plants, after a temporary rest, 

 may be planted on a sunny border, where they will produce fine crops 

 in the autumn. Black Prince, and Prince of Wales, are the best for 

 this purpose. 



Tulips. — These are later than in 1854, but will be well in bloom 

 by the 22nd, the day fixed for the Great National Show at Cam- 

 bridge. A good bloom is more than probable, they not having re- 

 ceived a check since they were above ground. Last year they were 

 through the ground early, but suffered from fi-ost during April. 

 Shading is all that will now have to be done to protect the bloom. 



