192 THE FLORIST. 



when ready, as the Hollyhock strikes freely at any season with proper 

 management. A large stock can only be procured by commencmg 

 early, and continuing to propagate throughout the season. 



Kitchen Garden. Sow all the various vegetables required for suc- 

 cession ; and attend to the requirements of those progressing. Water 

 Cauliflower, Spinach, Lettuce, &c., freely in dry weather, to promote 

 succulency. Do not cut Asparagus beds too much after the middle of 

 the month. Plant out early Celery in rich trenches, and water well ; 

 earth up Potatoes, and thin out other root-crops. 



Mixed Greenhouse. Most of the common hard-wooded plants 

 should either be removed to a sheltered place out of doors, or to pits ; 

 this will make room for Balsams, Fuchsias, Neriums, Crassulas, &c., 

 which with Geraniums will make the house gay for a considerable time. 



Orchids. Shade, water, and a very humid atmosphere during this 

 their period of active growth, are essential ; the Mexcian species should, 

 however, have the cooler end of the house. 



Pmisies. Contmue to put in cuttings largely, many plants die off 

 in July, if the weather is unfavourable ; if a young stock is pro^dded, 

 this loss will not be felt. Sulphur the plants if mildew should appear ; 

 save seed from the best kinds, those with smooth stout petals and well 

 defined colours. 



Pelargoniums. June is the best month to judge of the quality of 

 Pelargoniums generally a few kinds are best in IMay ; therefore take 

 notes both at home and at the exhibitions, to secure a good selection of 

 the best varieties for another season. There is Uttle to do this month, 

 further than to prolong the bloom by careful shading, watering, and 

 keeping the bees out of the house. Seedlings will be blooming towards 

 the end of the month, and should be carefully watched, noticing their 

 defects, to prevent the trouble of growing too many kinds the second 

 year. It is necessary to grow them two seasons to finally ascertain 

 the improvements on existing varieties. Fancy varieties should be pro- 

 pagated this month. These should be struck in a cold frame. If 

 allowed to flower long before cutting do\vn they are not so easily 

 struck. 



Pinks. Water freely if the weather should be dry. Commence 

 propagating towards the end of the month. Pinks strike very fi-eely 

 under small glasses, on a raised hot-bed. Care should be taken that 

 the heat is not strong. 



Roses, are now showingr their blossoms, which will be much im- 

 proved by hquid manuring ; mulching, too, in dry seasons is very bene- 

 ficial. If the preservation of the early flowers is desirable, the Rose 

 maggot must be closely looked after ; the green-fly, too, should be kept 

 down, and where mildew shows itself, first syringe with tobacco-water 

 for green-fly, and then dust with sulphur vivum ; a tin pepper-box is a 

 cheap and efficient duster. Roses in pots will require attention in 

 watering ; the syringe is best if clear rain water is at hand, and the 

 blossoms not too much expanded. 



Tulips. Take the canvas off, and allow them to have all the 

 weather. They may be taken up towards the end of the month, the 

 bloom being off early this season. 



