APlllL. 127 



the soil firmly round the plants. The soil, it should be remembered, 

 must not be in a wet state. Such plants as are not required for pots 

 may be planted in well prepared beds or borders. 



Cinerarias will now become interesting. To prolong their beauty a 

 little shading must be resorted to. The common papering canvass is 

 about the best material for this, as well as for Pelargoniums, as it does 

 not wholly exclude the light, and is also the cheapest material for the 

 purpose. No plant sooner becomes affected with aphides than the 

 Cineraria. Yet they are easily kept clean, if fumigation is resorted to 

 in time. Tie out the late plants, that broad compact heads of flower 

 may be produced. 



Conservatory. — Keep the house gay with all kinds of forced flowers. 

 Roses 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 eethiopica. 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. — Repot all that are ready, that have been struck in store 

 pots. They must be placed in a gentle moist heat for a time, and 

 gradually hardened off as soon as they have drawn root. Another 

 shift into four-inch pots is necessary to make fine plants, as well as to 

 prevent their becoming stunted. The medium between drawing them 

 up and almost setting them to rest is what should be aimed at. To 

 be successful in this requires care in hardening the plants, and wiU be 

 the foundation of a good bloom. Early planting out is seldom success- 

 ful. Cold nights or cutting winds throw them back very much. The 

 plants are better stood for a time where they can be protected at night, 

 if they are becoming crowded under glass. Sow seed, if not already 

 done. 



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

 be done with all possible despatch, dressings brought on to the flower 

 beds, and everything in readiness for the summer campaign. Give 

 strict attention to the covering and uncovering of all tender shrubs and 

 plants, and in mild and favourable weather proceed with fresh planta- 

 tions 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. — 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. Peaches in flower 

 should be carefully gone over and the weakest of the flowers taken off". 

 Keep the atmosphere rather dry, and by keeping up a good heat in day 

 time a free circulation of air may be maintained. Do not allow the 

 borders to become dry inside, and fumigate on the slightest appear- 

 ance of aphis. 



Fruity Hardy. — Finish the pruning and nailing of Apricots and 



