FEBRUARY. 61 



cold pits require to be kept dry and clean ; remove all dead leaves ; 

 give them all the air possible in dry weather ; water in the morning, 

 and close early after watering; fumigate continually. In severe wea- 

 ther, should the frost penetrate the covering, let them remain covered 

 until the plants are tliawed. 



Conservatory and Show-house. In arranging plants, aim at effect 

 as seen from the principal entrance. In grouping, be careful to pre- 

 serve perfect harmony of colour, selecting the most showy plants in 

 conspicuous places, which may be set off by contrasting showy plants 

 with dwarf Palms, Ferns or Lycopods, Camellias, forced Chinese and 

 hardy Azaleas and Ehododendrons, Roses, Honeysuckles, Deutzias, 

 and numerous other plants, including bulbs, Neapolitan and tree Violet, 

 INIignonette. Make it a rule to have always the latter three in bloom, 

 to mix with other plants for their fragrance; as well as Daphne 

 indica and rubra, forced Orange-trees, Musk-plants, &c. Calla sethi- 

 opica is a nice plant at this season, if well managed ; as are the per- 

 petual or tree Carnation, being as useful for cut flowers as for their 

 scent. Let such plants as go out of bloom have attention, if wanted 

 for forcing another season. 



Dahlias. The general stock should now be started in gentle 

 heat. Tan or dung beds answer equally well for breaking them, or 

 placed near a pipe in the vinery. If the roots are doing well, and 

 likely to produce more than is required, destroy the cuttings for a 

 time, as there is some trouble in preventing early- struck plants from 

 becoming stunted. 



Ericas. The soft- wooded kinds T\dll soon commence growth, and 

 will therefore require an increased supply of water. Admit air freely 

 on every favourable occasion, still adopting the plan of closing early ; 

 without the weather should prove very severe, abstain from making 

 fires. Many beautiful varieties will shortly be in bloom, and from 

 this time we may calculate on a continuance for many months. 

 Look to mildew on the free-growing sorts ; apply sulphur immediately 

 it makes its appearance. 



Flower- Garden. Wherever the soil has been displaced about the 

 roots of alpine and rock plants, add fresh soil, or replant them. 

 Anemones and Eanunculuses may be planted, the former for a late 

 bloom. Loamy soil, well enriched A\dth rotten cow-manure, is the 

 most suitable for them, and a situation shaded from the mid-day sun. 

 Protect beds of Russian and Tree Violets from severe frost by stick- 

 ing a few evergreen branches among them. Deciduous trees and 

 shrubs may be planted in open weather. Evergreens had better be 

 deferred till towards the end of the month or March. Turn over and 

 prepare compost for flower-beds, &c. 



Forcing. Those Vines that are broken so much as to give indi- 

 cations of what the crop promises to be, should now be disbudded ; 

 and as the shoots lengthen, they should be gradually tied to their 

 places. Maintain a steady temperature, not exceeding 65° by day, 

 taking advantage of fine weather to allow a rise of 10° or 12°; fre- 

 (^uently sprinkle the pipes and paths of the house, but withhold the 

 syringe from the foliage; admit air gradually and with much caution. 



