290 THE FLORIST. 



morning; and never allow this element to fall upon any plant or 

 part of the interior of your frame which does not need it : very little 

 water will be sufficient until the sun acquires strength. Let no 

 favourable opportunity for giving air escape ; and give it as liberally 

 as possible. Remove all decaying leaves the moment they make their 

 appearance. 



Dahlias. Look over the roots of choice varieties occasionally; 

 if rotting down the stem, it should be cut away and the part dried. 

 Dahlia-seed will keep best in chaff, after being thoroughly dried. 



Hollyhocks. Cuttings may still be taken from the old stools, 

 when from three to four inches long, which will strike readily in 

 sandy soil placed in a little heat. Damp is the principal thing to 

 guard against at this season: in propagating the Hollyhock a mo- 

 derate moist heat is the best ; w 7 eak plants should also be encou- 

 raged with a little heat. The Hollyhock should have plenty of pot- 

 room ; the plant becomes stout and vigorous, instead of prematurely 

 starting for bloom, if this is attended to. 



Pansies. Give plenty of air to those in frames, and keep them 

 clean both of insects and dead foliage. 



Pinks. Look over the beds occasionally for grubs, which are 

 very destructive at this season. Worms will also pull the plants on 

 one side ; these should be set upright when going over the beds. A 

 few kinds that are long on the leg, such as Huntsman, should have 

 supports — small deal sticks — to secure them in an erect position, 

 which will also prevent their being broken by the wind. 



Pelargoniums. See last Number. The fancy varieties will be 

 benefited by a little heat. 



Tulips. Keep heavy rains from the beds. There is some dif- 

 ference of opinion respecting this practice. We know one very suc- 

 cessful grower who does not protect them until they are coming into 

 bloom. We have heard another equally good grower state, that he 

 had never allow r ed his Tulips to have rain without regretting it after- 

 wards. Our practice is to avoid snow or excessive w r et ; but to keep 

 them open at other times until the buds are forward enough to be 

 injured. 



