352 THE FLORIST. 



keeping the lights off whenever the weather is fine, tilting them back 

 and front at other times. Cuttings may still be put in for the second 

 or summer bloom. 



Pelargoniums. Cleanliness during the winter has much to do with 

 the successful cultivation of the Pelargonium. The glass, stage, and 

 every part of the house should be clean, as well as the pots and every- 

 thing about them. The house should also be kept dry, and not too cold 

 at night. Plenty of air on other occasions, so that cold draughts are 

 avoided ; give the plants plenty of room, keep clear of dead leaves and 

 green-fly, and success will be tolerably certain. 



Pines. Let the fruit now ripening be fully exposed to the light, to 

 give it colour and flavour. Very little water wall be required, except 

 to those just commencing to swell their fruits. Keep the stock to show 

 fruit at Christmas dry and cool ; the young stuff grown in pits, &c., should 

 likewise have the top moisture lessened by some means, as, if not pre- 

 vented, too much damp at this season has a tendency to rot the hearts 

 in the winter. Protect from cold by night by sufficient coverings, and 

 let the linings, &c., be maintained, so as to allow a mean temperature 

 of 60° to the plants. Where hot water is laid on, keep the same heat 

 by applying fires. 



Pinks. Examine the beds occasionally for grubs, which are often 

 very destructive at this season to the plants. If a few plants of each 

 variety have been potted as recommended last month, they will come 

 in very useful for fiUing up any vacancies made by these insects or 

 other causes. Loosen the surface of the beds when dry, to prevent the 

 soil firom becoming green and sour. 



Roses. If not already looked over, to decide on renewals and 

 additions, lose not a day. Do not allow one ill-grown plant to stand 

 in a conspicuous situation ; there are always plenty of spots where 

 such unfortunates may be safely consigned, and not be doomed to blush 

 unseen. Such deformities should not be allowed to disfigure an other- 

 wise charming group. The severity of the last winter urges every pre- 

 caution being taken ; a good covering of common moss for beds of Tea- 

 scented and other dehcate varieties on their own roots is one of the best, 

 and removing worked plants of tender Bourbons, &c., either to a well- 

 ventilated shed, or to a sheltered nook, covering their heads with Frigi 

 Domo (certainly the best substitute for Russian mats) is without doubt 

 safest. 



Stove Plants. The object here will be to keep up as gay an appear- 

 ance as possible during the dreary months of winter. All the large 

 specimen Clerodendrons, Allamandas, Echites, Achimenes, &c., should 

 be removed to any spare house where a little heat is kept up, to winter ; 

 this will give room for the various plants which, having been struck last 

 spring, and grown on through the summer, will now be in condition to 

 bloom freely through the winter ; let them be fully exposed to light. 



Tulips. Plant the first favourable opportunity, choosing a fine dry 

 day, when the soil is in good order. The bed may be protected for a 

 short time by any temporary covering, if the weather is wet, to keep 

 the soil dry till a good day arrives. The offsets should have been 

 planted in October. Use fine sandy soil about the roots. 



