192 THE FLORIST. 



ground flowers, as well as from good selfs ; get seed from those only of 

 good substance and that are smooth. 



Pinks. — If the weather continues as dry as it has been, these will 

 require liberal and frequent watering. Once or twice a week, according 

 to the nature of the soil, use liquid manure, to assist their lacing. 

 Large blooms, finely coloured, can only be produced with strong growth 

 and by attention to the thinning of the shoots as well as disbudding. 

 In this operation the habit of the flower as well as the strength of the 

 plant must be taken into consideration ; some plants will produce half 

 a dozen fine flowers fit for competition, others not more than two. If 

 for effect only, leave all the main shoots, only remove the small side 

 buds. Commence putting in cuttings towards the end of the month. 



Pelargoniums. — We are now at the height of the bloom of this 

 favourite plant ; all June they are in good character ; here it has been 

 fine all May. For three months, with good management, a fine bloom 

 can be maintained ; to do this some care and forethought will be necessary 

 in the cutting back and final potting of the plants, as well as protecting 

 the bloom by judicious shading, care and attention in watering, and 

 excluding the bees. Seedlings will now become interesting by daily 

 unfolding their new beauties ; if the habit is bad discard them. The 

 finest colours and shape will not produce effect if there is not also 

 freedom of bloom ; get these qualities combined to as great an extent 

 as it is possible. 



Fancy Pelargoniums require much the same treatment as the others, 

 but the propagation of which should commence earlier in the season 

 than of the large varieties, or it will be found difficult to strike many 

 of the kinds. 



Roses. — Green-fly must be kept under and the maggots not neglected, 

 or the first blooms will be sacrificed. A strong solution of tobacco, 

 black sulphur, and soft soap syringed over them in the evening, followed 

 in the morning with clear water, is the best antidote for the green-fly 

 and mildew. When we are favoured with warm weather encourage their 

 growth by attending to last month's directions. 



Tulips. — Remove the covering, and allow the beds to have all the 

 weather as soon as the bloom begins to drop. It has been a late and 

 irregular bloom this season generally, there being a large number of 

 mal-formed flowers, split petals, and other deformities. Taking up 

 the bulbs is generally deferred too long ; it is better to be a little early 

 in this operation than too late ; as soon as the stalk bends instead of 

 snapping they may be lifted. The bulbs wiU be better and cleaner for 

 being taken up early. In our next we shall give a full and detailed 

 report of the great show of this flower at Cambridge. 



Vines. — As the fruit changes colour, let the plants have a somewhat 

 drier atmosphere, and more air, to bring up the colour and improve the 

 flavour. Plants for winter fruiting should now be showing fruit ; take 

 care no water reaches the fruit while they are in bloom. Pot on 

 successions as they require it, and keep the plants near the glass, and 

 with abundance of air, to promote a stocky growth. Temperature as 

 last month. 



