96 THE FLORIST. 



Sow seed in a strong moist heat. The early-struck plants should be 

 hardened off. 



Fuchsias must be kept growing, and should now receive their 

 final repotting ; like the Pelargonium, as long as they are kept grow- 

 ing you defer the time of blooming. As regards training, some like 

 pyramidal plants, others dwarf bushes ; under proper treatment the 

 Fuchsia is elegant in either state, just as may suit the taste of the 

 cultivator. 



Hollyhocks. Plant out for early blooms as soon as the soil is in 

 good condition. For succession, plants now striking planted out in 

 May will bloom in September. Seedlings wintered in small pots may 

 now also be planted into quarters. Those in pans or store- pots should 

 be potted singly for a time before planting out. 



Pelargoniums. Continue tying the branches as needed, and the 

 trusses also as they approach blooming ; the increase in the size of 

 the plants will be very rapid this month ; let them have ample room, 

 as they are soon spoiled by crowding. Keep the foliage clean, and 

 remove all yellow leaves. Just before the bloom begins to open 

 fumigate two nights in succession, to destroy green-fly, whether any 

 are seen or not, as this cannot be done whilst they are in bloom 

 without destroying the open flowers. Water often with weak clear 

 manure- water, and give enough to moisten all the soil. As a general 

 rule, no shading will be needed until they come into bloom ; it may 

 however happen that a very bright sun after dull weather may render 

 it as well to shade for an hour or two in the middle of the day, but 

 not more ; and it is best to do without if the foliage will bear the 

 full sun. A slight dewing with the syringe on shutting up after a 

 bright day will be serviceable. 



Pansies. Cut away any small side-shoots, and put the same in for 

 cuttings. Seedlings winteied in pans should be planted into beds for 

 blooming. 



Pinks. If not already top-dressed, do so without delay. 



Polyanthuses. These will be just opening their flowers, and 

 should be either shaded during the bright part of the day or removed 

 to a shaded aspect. 



Tulips. Stirring the soil carefully, and protecting them from 

 frost, hail, or snow-storms, is all that is necessary this month; but 

 this should be perseveringly attended to : mild showers will assist 

 them. Keep them open as much as possible, as soon as they appear 

 above ground ; the bloom itself will not be earlier than an average 

 season. 



