JUNE. 189 



time to come. Placing them on a north border, protecting the plants 

 from heavy rains are all that is required. 



Azaleas. — The chief feature in Azalea culture is to keep the plants 

 perfectly clean ; it is hopeless to expect tine plants or bloom unless 

 thrips are kept completely down by very frequent fumigations ; and 

 while forming new growth the atmosphere should be moist. Those 

 wanted to force early, and which have been kept in warm, moist 

 quarters, to induce growth, should be gradually inured to cooler 

 quarters. When making any regulation in training, as far as possible 

 cause them to assume the pyramid form ; it shows the bloom better, 

 and is the simplest form to attain. Small standards are useful for 

 decorative purposes, but this must be aimed at whilst the plants are 

 young. Guard against over-potting, even for appearance sake. 



Camellias, if in small pots or in good condition at the roots, while 

 forming growth, will be much aided by frequent supplies of sheep-dung 

 water. Afford them as much room and hght individually as circum- 

 stances W'ill admit, and gradually allow them more air as they matuie 

 growth. Keep them well syringed, and the foliage perfectly clean ; 

 shade when necessary. A house with a north-west aspect we think is 

 much the best for Camelha culture. 



Carnations and Ficotees. — Securing the blooming shoots to proper 

 supports must now be attended to. The operation of disbudding, which 

 is usually done the beginning of the month, cannot be proceeded with 

 before the end, so little advanced are the plants tow^ards blooming. It 

 is of the greatest importance at this season to keep down green-fly ; 

 this is easily done by following the directions given in previous numbers 

 of the Florist. 



Cinerarias. — Cut down plants not required for seed as soon as 

 the bloom becomes dull, to encourage the old stocks to throw up young 

 suckers, w^iich should be taken off and put in as cuttings. Seed should 

 be sown as soon as secured, that the plants may bloom early, to be seen 

 in their true character. The Cineraria is a most pleasing spring flower, 

 when it is very attractive, but in summer it loses its brightness. 



Cold Frames should be turned to account for the culture of Fuchsias, 

 Geraniums, Balsams, and all rapidly-raised annuals, which are necessary 

 for show purposes ; and if sufficiently deep to admit of a quantity of 

 fermenting materials, late crops of Melons and Cucumbers can be 

 grown. We think it hard work, and hopeless, to try without having 

 some means of giving bottom heat ; seldom will the foliage last until 

 the fruit is sufficiently matured. 



Conservator (/. — ]\Iuch will depend upon the accommodation in other 

 quarters, in keeping up a fine display of flower here ; yet much may 

 be done to make very common and easily cultivated plants look effective 

 by judicious and easy arrangement. To get show and colour, guard 

 against crowding the plants. Keep all in neat trim, and the pots and 

 soil clean. Give permanent specimens a sufficiency of room, and tie 

 up climbers, causing the slrots to festoon from one place to another in 

 forms as natural as circumstances will admit. Planted out specimens 

 w^ill be benefitted by occasional waterings with strong water. Attend to 

 shading and air early. 



