MAY. 119 



we are short- of perfection, although a great deal has been done 

 towards it. Years since, it was despaired of that we should ever 

 produce a Pelargonium with an outline equal to a good Pansy ; in 

 Leonora, it will be seen, there has been something done in that di- 

 rection, and we believe that there is yet abundant capabilities in the 

 Pelargonium for further improvement, both in colour and general 

 excellence ; and we confidently anticipate new beauties annually for 

 some years to come. 



HINTS FOR THE MONTH. 



Auriculas. Continue to keep the plants in a cool situation after 

 they have flowered. If placed on a good layer of coal-ashes, on a 

 north border, so arranged as to admit of lights being put over them, 

 in case of too much wet, they will make good growth, and keep 

 healthy. Some prefer spring, others autumn potting ; we adopt the 

 latter. Cheetham's " Lancashire Hero " is the finest variety we have 

 flowered this season. Some particulars of the bloom, with list of 

 varieties, &c, shall be given in our next. 



Bedding- Plants. As these become crowded in pits and frames, 

 many will be getting them out ; but there is some risk of certain things 

 being injured yet. See that the whole stock is clear of green-fly be- 

 fore planting, and harden all as much as possible. Commence with 

 V T erbenas and Calceolarias, leaving Heliotropes and Lantanas, &c, for 

 a time. 



Calceolarias. If for exhibition, give the plants plenty of room, 

 and keep them clean. Tie the blooming shoots securely as they 

 progress. 



Carnations and Picotees. This is the latest season for potting 

 these plants ; we remember many having but recently completed this 

 operation; setting the pots on strips of wood, watering, and keeping 

 the long ones secured against rough weather, are all that is required 

 this month, except keeping a vigilant eye after aphides, which must 

 be encountered on their first appearance, and kept under. 



Cinerarias will now generally be in the height of their beauty, 

 which will be prolonged by a little shading. Select and set apart 

 from the creneral stock a few of the finest and most distinct varieties, 

 to seed from. 



Dahlias. Repot, and harden plants preparatory to planting in the 

 end of the month, or early in June. 



Fuchsias. Many will now be in fine bloom, but if large plants 

 and late flowers are required, the plants should receive another shift, 

 removing the first buds that appear. 



Hollyhocks. All will now be planted out for the general bloom ; 

 but a few spring- struck plants may be put out for September. Top- 

 dress the early plants with rotten manure, and keep them clear of 

 slugs ; stakes will be required in the end of the month for the most 

 forward sorts. It is not generally known that tall stakes are not 



