156 THE FLORIST. 



for twenty-four hours, then supply them with sufficient to thoroughly 

 wet the ball. 



As soon as you observe new growth, keep the plants less confined ; 

 gradually inuring them to air, light, and sun, as growth progresses. 

 \Vhen they are nicely rooted, repot them, giving a liberal shift, and 

 when in full growth, gradually harden them off to stand in the open 

 air. Now, the plants being in full growth, the places for them 

 prepared, and the frost over (for, although our plants are hardy, it 

 will be as well not to tempt it by exposing young and succulent 

 shoots to its influence) plant them where they are to remain — they 

 will well repay you. 



It is of little use to plant out stagnated pot-bound plants. They 

 very rarely succeed. L. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Annuals. — Make use of a thinning of those Annuals that were 

 sown last month, for filling fi-ont spaces of the shrubberies and flower 

 borders. Prick out the finer sorts that are wanted in bedding; 

 aiTangements, and have all those that were raised in heat removed 

 into cooler quarters, reserving a few of the very finest varieties for pot 

 culture. Make successional sowings of Asters, Stocks, &c., &c., that 

 are required for beds as losses may occur. 



Auriculas. — If not in a cool shady situation, they should be shaded 

 during the heat of the day, giving plenty of air at the same time. 

 These are now at the height of their beauty ; and chaste and beautiful 

 they are, if well grown. As soon as they are out of bloom place the 

 plan'^s on raised beds in a cool part of the garden ; placing them on a 

 good coat of ashes, to prevent worms from entering the pots. Protect 

 them fi'om heavy rains by pit-lights (which will be out of use at this 

 season) over them, leaving the sides open. Young seedlings should be 

 potted off and kept growing all the summer. 



Carnations and Ficotees. — Towards the end of the month the stakes 

 for securing the blooms should be placed in the centre of each pot. 

 Aphides will be seen on the young foliage, and on the points of the 

 plants ; these must be destroyed, either by brushing them off, or by 

 fumigating. If the side shoots are throwing blooms, pinch them off to 

 the main shoot, as well as to produce more stock. They will now 

 require a considerable supply of water, if the weather continues dry. 

 If the surface becomes baked and hard, from repeated waterings, it should 

 be loosened. 



Cinei'arias. — The^e, like the Auricula, are at their best. The 

 blooms have been above average quality this season, with a marked 

 improvement in " the varieties, which we shall particularise in our 

 next. The plants should be cut down as soon as out of bloom, if 

 seed is not requn ed, and placed in a cold frame, facing the north, to 

 produce cuttings for another season. Seed should be sown as soon as 

 ripe, and should be saved from the finest varieties, crossed as recom- 

 mended in previous numbers. Mildew and aphides inust be kept down. 



