222 THE FLORIST. 



from the 1st to the 15th of July, but never later than the 15th; in 

 about a month's time after, they are fit for planting out. The soil I 

 use is turfy loam, with some decomposed dung, if the loam be very 

 turfy ; but if not, I use a good portion of leaf-mould instead of the dung. 



The plants are not stopped until they reach two parts of the way up 

 the trellis. I employ no artificial heat of any description during August 

 and September; and if the weather be fine during October, I use 

 none until towards the end of the month. I supply the plants liberally 

 with water when they require it; and when the weather is at all 

 favourable, I give an abundance of air; by this treatment the plants 

 attain an extraordinary degree of strength and vigour by the end of 

 October. 



I then begin to use a little fire heat, but I still continue to give air 

 whenever the state of the weather will permit. By these means, and 

 by proper attention to the stopping and the regulating of the shoots, I 

 succeed in having as good Cucumbers during November, December, 

 and January, as in any other three months of the year. 



As the season is now at hand for commencing, I can recommend the 

 above method as the result of practice ; and if strictly adhered to, it 

 will be attended with astonishing success. M. Saul. 



CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. — These will remain for the present in the cool, as pre- 

 viously directed. If the border is well drained, it will take considerable 

 rain to injure them : wet in excess would, however, be injurious, from 

 which they should be protected. The soil intended for repotting them 

 should be turned over occasionally, and not allowed to become either 

 very dry or very wet. 



Camellias and Azaleas. — If the proper treatment has been followed. 

 Camellias will have their bloom buds for next year discernible ; when such 

 is the case, gradually allow more air, to inure them by degrees to out- 

 door treatment. In placing them out, select a shady well-sheltered 

 spot ; worms must be prevented from getting into the pots, and secure 

 them from being blown over — water as occasion requires. Greenhouse 

 Azaleas will require similar management, but are longer in forming 

 their buds, and will bear exposure to the sun. Keep down thrips. 



Carnations and Picotees should be frequently looked over with 

 the watering pot, if dry harsh weather prevails ; a check at this stage 

 of their growth would be very prejudicial to the bloom. Weak liquid 

 manure may be used occasionally. The plants have received great 

 benefit from the late showers, and are looking exceedingly well. With 

 ordinary attention a good bloom is certain. The grower for exhibition 

 is fully aware of the importance of keeping down insects, particularly 

 aphides. The more clean and healthy the plants are in a young state, 

 the less thrip is there to contend with in the blossoms. ^ ying the 

 buds with a small piece of bast, just as they are on the point of 

 bursting, protecting them as soon as they are open, and placing cards on 



