18 THE FLORIST. 



Fuchsias. Bring forward those that have been put to rest, pruning 

 back both root and head, and potting them in rather rich soil with a 

 good portion of Bilver-sand in it j place them in gentle heat to start 

 them. Seed may now he sown. 



j'a/isifs. Prepare soil, if not already done ; and keep it mo- 

 derately dry for repotting into their blooming pots at the end of the 

 month, if mild, or early in February. Keep them clean, giving 

 plenty of air. Cover those in beds, if severe frost occurs. Press 

 such seedlings firmly in the ground as have been disturbed by worms, 

 or other causes. 



Pelargoniums. Tie out the shoots of specimen plants at regular 

 distances, in order to admit light and air ; give the plants as much 

 room as can be afforded, and all the light and air (not cold draughts) 

 possible, and there will be no fear of their drawing. Fumigate if 

 there is any appearance of aphides. A fire may be put on occasion- 

 ally to dry up any damp in the house. This also applies to houses 

 stocked with any other kind of plants ; water sparingly, and keep 

 them clear of all dead foliage. 



Pinks. After so much wet, severe frost would injure many kinds, 

 therefore provide some slight protection should it occur. Prepare 

 some good rich soil (half may be rotten manure) to top-dress the 

 beds early in March. 



Polyanthuses. If in pots, a cold frame is best for them. They like 

 more moisture than Auriculas, and as much air as you can give them. 

 Examine those in beds or borders to see that slugs are not injuring 

 the heart of the plant ; and clean them of dead foliage or leaves of 

 trees that may have accumulated around them. 



Ranunculuses. (See excellent article in the present Number by 

 Mr. Lightbody.) 



Roses. Hardy varieties may now be pruned. Those in pots for 

 early work must be kept clean, and have especial care and attention. 



Tulips. Those who have kept them dry will find the benefit at 

 blooming time ; but do not cover up the beds more than is necessary, 

 as it will draw them up before their proper time. If any should 

 make their appearance above ground before the month is out, great 

 care will be required to keep them from being injured by frost, and 

 at the same time to prevent them from being drawn up weakly. 



VITALITY OF SEEDS. 



About the year 1838, as nearly as can be ascertained, a bed of seeds 

 of Hibiscus Africanus was sown here ; but for some reason or other 

 the bed received another occupant afterwards. Every summer, how- 

 ever, this annual (which is at the present time a favourite with some) 

 continued to reappear, whenever circumstances proved favourable 

 to its germination ; and owing to the necessary process of forking, 

 these have of course therefore annually been brought into operation. 

 This last season more especially, we found this " ancient" deposit 



