4 3 FLORIST. 



pans should be potted singly for planting out in April ; seed may 

 also be sown. 



Fuchsias. Plants intended for specimens should be grown in a 

 gentle heat, drawing the syringe over them lightly in the afternoon. 

 Give them plenty of pot-room, if large plants are required. Cut- 

 tings strike at this season very freely, and therefore it is a good time 

 to make the general stock. 



Pansies. Repot thjse to remain in pots immediately, either for 

 cut blooms or to be shown in pots. Many of the varieties are 

 already opening their delightful blooms of the richest velvet. The 

 early flowers are much the best in this respect, shewing the de- 

 sirableness of having strong plants, which alone blossom at this 

 early season. If the weather is mild, plant out for succession bloom 

 and stock, also seedlings. 



Pelargoniums. Autumn -potted plants will require to have a good 

 watering, thoroughly soaking the ball ; as by giving just enough to 

 moisten the surface, will make the soil look damp without reaching 

 the principal roots Young stock should now be finally repotted for 

 blooming, a ; well as large plants that have been stopped. Fancies 

 should be assisted with a little warmth at night, as well as those for 

 May wor k 



Pinks. Break up the surface of the soil the first time it is suffi- 

 ciently dry. Fill up any vacancy with those wintered in pots for the 

 purpose. 



Polyanthus should be top dressed with good rich stiff soil. As 

 these require more moisture than the Auricula, use weak liquid ma- 

 nure occasionally. Slugs are very destructive to the young flower- 

 shoots, and should be kept under. 



Ranunculus. Plant about the middle of the month, as recom- 

 mended by Mr. Lightbody in last Number. 



Roses. Those not previously cut back should be attended to 

 this month. Plants in pots to bloom in April and May will require 

 great care, and should be kept clean from green-fly. 



Tulips. In this locality an early bloom is more than likely, as 

 they are already very generally above ground. The Florist will there- 

 fore have to be watchful if a change to severe weather should take 

 place ; but most is to be dreaded from cold frosty winds in March. 



It is to be hoped that the dull months of winter have not been 

 allowed to pass by the grower for exhibition without a general exa- 

 mination of his stock of articles that are in-doors at this season. The 

 time is not far distant before shades and glasses will be required ; 

 cards for the Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks ; sticks for tieing Gera- 

 niums ; boxes of all kinds, from the Pansy to the Dahlia. Much 

 time is saved by having things to your hand when required; and 

 nothing is more essential to success than proper boxes, well painted 

 of the proper shade of colour. 



