12Q THE FLORIST. 



Camellias. The blooming season is now nearly over, and some 

 cultivators prefer shifting them into fresh pots at this season; if 

 such is requisite, dry turfy loam and peat, two -thirds of the former 

 to one of the latter, will be a safe compost ; pay particular attention 

 to well draining the pots ; use no manure in the soil, but depend on 

 it in a liquid form for what extra help they will require ; give them 

 a little extra heat, by early closing the house, now that they are 

 making their wood, and use the syringe freely. 



Carnations and Picotees. Finish potting for bloom without loss 

 of time. The pots should be raised from two to three inches from 

 the ground, on strips of wood. If there are any plants left after 

 filling all the pots required, they may be planted out in well pre- 

 pared beds, which should be elevated, in the event of its being a wet 

 summer, as well as for the convenience of layering. Sparrows at 

 this season often do much mischief by eating the points of the young 

 shoots. Pieces of grey worsted tied above along the rows, a few 

 inches above the plants, will prevent them. 



Cinerarias. To prolong the beauty of the bloom, attention must 

 be paid to watering and shading. These plants are now becoming 

 gay, the season being early. In selecting seedlings, compare them 

 with the best out in the same class. To procure good seed, select a 

 few of the finest shaped kinds, of good habit, and place them in a 

 frame or house by themselves, and keep the bees from them. The 

 work of fertilisation should be done by hand, using a camel's-hair 

 pencil. 



Cold Frames. Take every possible means to harden off the stock ; 

 the propagation of such things as Verbenas, and other soft-growing 

 plants, may yet be prosecuted. Stocks and other annuals required 

 early should be forwarded in cold frames, and others sown for 

 succession. 



Conservatory and Shoiv House. As solar heat and light increase, 

 the house may be closed rather earlier in the afternoon, to dispense 

 with fire ; give air, however, betimes in the morning, and let the 

 necessary waterings and cleaning be done as early as possible. As 

 the permanent plants have now commenced growth, let them stand 

 clear, that the young shoots may obtain their full share of light. 

 Let the climbing plants be trained occasionally, avoiding, however, 

 any thing like a formal arrangement. 



Dahlias. This will be a busy month with this plant. Propa- 

 gating will be at its height. Pot off the plants as soon as rooted, 

 growing them in gentle heat, and harden them towards the end of 

 the month ; when, if room can be afforded, they may be repotted 

 into three or four-inch pots. Pot-roots, if started now, will make 

 good plants ; they will not require so much heat, when once started, 

 as spring-propagated plants. Sow seed in brisk heat. 



Epacris. Early blooming kinds should be cut in and placed in 

 a close frame, or moderately warm house, to encourage them to 

 break, syringing overhead to assist them ; when started a couple of 

 inches, repot such as require it ; turfy peat and sand, with plenty of 

 drainage, will grow them in perfection. 



