APRIL. 1 2o 



by the nature of their daily engagements for more severe studies. 

 It may be pursued, and must be, in fact, amid green fields and 

 flowers, and will thus add a charm to our rural walks ; while, as it 

 makes no demand, or very little, on the mental powers, it may be 

 taken up when the mind is wearied, and altogether unfitted for more 

 difficult exertion. 



Many would, I believe, be entomologists, but they have con- 

 ceived the notion that it is not possible to be so without being able 

 to give up a great deal of time, and to purchase expensive apparatus. 

 The notion is altogether incorrect. It is one of the advantages of 

 the science I am advocating that it may be cultivated at the time 

 when the hands are occupied with the duties of the day, at least by 

 those who reside in the country, and are engaged in open-air occupa- 

 tions, the case, I presume, of most readers of the Florist. It is only 

 to keep the eyes open to what is passing around, instead of shut. 

 A good book on the subject is of course indispensable. For a be- 

 ginner I should recommend Westwood's Introduction^ which mil be 

 found exceedingly useful. Every student of any branch of natural 

 science should, however, get it thoroughly fixed in his mind that 

 what he is learning can be learned only from nature herself— books 

 are useful as auxiliaries to observation, but worse than useless if 

 substituted for it. A microscope is generally considered necessary, 

 and it must be admitted is very desirable; but a very competent 

 knowledge of the structure and habits of insects may be gained 

 without its aid. The only instruments absolutely requisite are a 

 pair of forceps, and a Stanhope lens, which will not cost much — a 

 very good one may be obtained for ten shiUings. These, however, 

 it may be assumed every gardener, whether amateur or professional, 

 is already provided with. He should be at all events. That it is 

 not so very difficult to acquire the knowledge of insects is proved by 

 the fact, that some of the best entomologists have been persons in the 

 lower ranks of life, who, having a taste for the science, have entered 

 con amore into its pursuit, and soon made themselves proficients. 



The season of the year gives appropriateness to these observa- 

 tions, because the time is approaching when insects wdll begin to be 

 abundant, and persons desirous of making their acquaintance cannot 

 have a better time to commence. F. W. Joynes. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Annuals. Sow throughout the month. 



Auriculas. In some localities this chaste spring flower is already 

 repaying the care and attention that have been bestowed upon it, by 

 expanding its beautiful blossoms. The frames should be shaded 

 with thin canvas during the heat of the day ; and about the middle 

 of the month remove them to a cool situation facing the north. This 

 will prolong the bloom considerably. Water rather freely now when 

 the plants are growing. 



