36 THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. [February-, 



become weak and straggling, and cease to produce vigorous flower-buda. 

 Bourbon and Hybrid Perpetuals should be shortened back to four or sis buds 

 from the base, removing all the small and cross branches at the same time. 

 Boses like a deep strong soil, and as rich as it can be made. All beds and 

 borders containing bulbs and spring flowering plants should now be carefully 

 dressed, so as to give them a neat appearance. 



Trees and Shrubs may be planted in open weather. They should be lifted 

 carefully, without injuring the roots, and in the case of evergreens, as much soil 

 should be removed with them as is possible ; the holes to receive the plants- 

 should always be made ready beforehand, and when the tree is placed in the hole, 

 the roots should be carefully spread out, and the finest soil put over them, filling- 

 it in carefully round the ball and pressing it firmly with the foot. When 

 planted, if liable to be blown about by the wind, they should be properly secured 

 to stakes ; they should also have a good mulching of rotten dung, which will 

 keep the soil from being frozen, and prevent its being dried up by the wind. 



In places of limited extent, some practical knowledge is necessary to select 

 only such shrubs and trees as are suited to the soil and locality. In the neigh- 

 bourhood of most large towns, evergreens suffer much from soot and smoke, and 

 yet they are indispensable in such places, for they hide ugly buildings, shut 

 out unsightly objects, and secure seclusion and privacy. In general, Conifers 

 are not admissible, but some of them may be used advantageously in many places. 

 Yews and Arbor-vitses are invaluable where soil and locality suit them. Hollies 

 are not only the hardiest, but they are the most useful and best evergreens for 

 ornamental planting. Aucubas are also very useful in small places. The species 

 of Berberis, too, are very hardy and ornamental, B. Harwinii being a most 

 beautiful shrub. Persons of little experience, when furnishing new grounds, 

 should plant such trees and shrubs as they see grow well in the neighbourhood. 



Plants under glass, must now be carefully attended to. The winter, on the- 

 whole, has been favourable for plants in cold pits, frames, and greenhouses ; 

 damp has been the principal enemy to be guarded against. Air should be 

 admitted freely at every favourable opportunity ; but cold winds must be 

 carefully shut out, otherwise they will do much injury. I advise air to be 

 given as soon in the morning as it can with safety, and increased as the forenoon 

 advances, and always to shut up early in the afternoon. Cinerarias and Primulas- 

 will now be coming nicely into flower. 



A sowing of Peas and Beans should be made about the middle or towards the 

 end of the month, to succeed those sown last month. A little Badish, Lettuce, 

 Spinach, Parsley, and Carrot should be sown on a warm border. All gaps, 

 among Cabbages should be made good, and the ground stirred between the roots. 

 Where the land is strong, it is advisable not to crop until next month. Having 

 given at page 12 a list of Fruits suitable for amateurs, it has occurred to me that 

 a short list of a few of the most useful Vegetables may not be altogether- unac- 



