158 THE FLORIST. 



up, that the blooms may be showTi in class. Purity is to be the 

 principle on which the judges are to act ; we hope to see this fully 

 carried out. The judgment on this point last season was retro- 

 grading in our opinion. The day is rather late for the south 

 gi'owers, but is an excellent day for the northern and midland 

 collections, whom we hope and expect to see strongly represented. 

 It is of the greatest importance that the Tulip should on this occa- 

 sion be shown in its gi'eatest beauty and variety. Those gentlemen, 

 intending exhibitors from the country, will be amply repaid for 

 their journey with the extensive and varied exhibition that will be 

 witnessed at the same time, not the least of which will be American 

 plants under canvas. 



The Royal Botanic Society has not yet (April 22d) issued its 

 schedule of prizes for the current season. We have received many 

 complaints on this subject, intending exhibitors being quite in the dark 

 as to what subjects will be required, which is a great disadvantage to 

 some growers. We hope this will not occur again. 



It may be interesting to know that it is reported on good authority 

 that ]\Ir. James Veitch, of Chelsea has become the fortunate possessor 

 of Mrs. La^\Tence's magnificent collection of Orchids. We learn that 

 they were purchased by him by private bargain. Of the fate of the 

 other plants we hope to give some accomit next number. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Annuals. Thin out those up, leaving three, four, or more in each 

 patch, according to their size. Sow towards the end of the month for 

 autumn blooming. Plant out Stocks, Asters, &c., sown under glass ; 

 rich soil suits them best. 



Auriculas. As soon as out of bloom, remove them from the stage 

 to a cool north border ; standing them on a bed of coal ashes. A 

 temporary frame-work should be erected, that hghts may be placed 

 over them in very wet weather, but leaving them open on all occasions 

 at the sides. Watering should be strictly attended to, and they vaW 

 make fine gro^vth by the time they require re -potting, which should be 

 done towards autumn. 



Camellias are now busy forming wood ; more heat \\^1 be requisite, 

 which may be obtained by closing the house earlier in the day. Shade 

 and syringe daily ; plants not potted this spring, water with soot or 

 clear manure water. When the young shoots are fully giwvn give less 

 shade, by degrees, and more air, to aid the formation of bloom buds. 



Carnations and Picotees. Look well and vigilantly after aphides, 

 which must be kept under. We never saw these plants look more 

 healthy than they do this season ; a fine but early bloom is tolerably 

 certain. The plants should now be permanently staked. The side 

 shoots of strong plants will often start for bloom, these should be stopped, 

 but not too early ; or it will cause other layers to start for bloom. 



Cinerarias. These are now on the decline, from the unusual bright- 



