72 THE FLORIST. 



weather appears to be past ; for the sooner they get hold of the 

 ground the better. Put in cuttings from old stools. 



Pelargoniums. These will now require the greatest attention, 

 for with the brighter weather they will make corresponding progress 

 towards blooming. Attend to their training, using sticks in place of 

 strings, and dispose the shoots to the best advantage for ultimate 

 effect ; if any dust has accumulated on the foliage, let it be cleansed 

 by a copious shower from a syringe, or pot with a fine rose, and 

 ascertain that the waterings reach the whole of the soil. It often 

 occurs that they become so dry at this season, that the water does 

 not penetrate to the bottom. Look if the bottom of the pot appears 

 dry, if so, dip it in a bucket of water up to the rim for a few 

 seconds. Where the pots are well filled with roots, and the lower 

 leaves begin to turn yellow, use weak manure-water, as often as 

 water is needed. Give the plants plenty of room, plenty of air, and 

 all possible light ; avoid any thing like forcing ; but do not permit 

 them to be checked by too low a temperature, which should not be 

 below 45 c at night, as a general rule for the month. Any small 

 plants that require potting should be attended to. 



Paiisies. Tie the shoots into shape for exhibition as they 

 lengthen, keep them open, and grow them hardy. Put in side-shoots 

 for cuttings as they appear, plant out without delay beds for bloom, 

 and also for stock any that may be remaining in small pots, or seed- 

 lings wintered in pots. 



Pinks. As soon as the soil is dry on the surface after being 

 stirred over, top dress with rich mould, if half manure so much the 

 better. 



Polyanthuses. Keep them open as much as possible, and before 

 they expand, warm showers will benefit them and strengthen the 

 bloom. They require plenty of moisture during this month, and 

 should be looked over frequently with the watering-pot ; weak liquid 

 manure occasionally will assist them. 



Roses. The tender kinds may be pruned and cut back this 

 month. Give plenty of air in mild weather to the early plants in 

 pots. 



Ranunculuses. Should any be still out of the ground, plant im- 

 mediately. 



Tulips. These are now fairly above ground, and should be co- 

 vered on frosty nights, also during hail or snow-storms, and during 

 frosty winds ; but otherwise keep them open as much as possible. 

 Too close covering makes them weak and tender; grow them as hardy 

 as possible, without running too much risk. The first stands the 

 Florist will require will be for Pansies, in April and May, therefore 

 see that they are in good order. A coat or two of paint and varnish 

 will freshen them up, and will be found not to be thrown away when 

 the exhibitions arrive. The shade of colour that shews these flowers 

 to the greatest advantage is a pale yellow- green, highly varnished. 



