68 THE GARDENER. [Feb. 



Erantliemums, Epipliyllums, Eucbaris, Euphorbias, Jasminum, Sam- 

 bac, Pancratimns, Poiiisettias, Begonias in great variety, Plumbago 

 rosea, Gesnerias, Stephanotis, Gardenias, Scutellarias, Thyrsocanthus, 

 Libonias, may either be in flower or going out. While under the 

 latter condition they may be kept on the dry side for a short time, 

 trimmed in in some cases, then started into growth ; and cuttings may 

 be had from the young growtlis of many of them. A young stock of 

 the shrubby kinds is raised yearly, and the old ones thrown away. 

 Temperatures after potting a stock of plants must be kept higher, and 

 moisture given proportionately. 60° to 65° by fire-heat may be a fair 

 temperature, but where no potting has yet been done less will do. 



Gesnerias, Gloxinias, Caladiums, and Achimenes may be started 

 forthwith. A portion of the house which can be used for bottom- 

 heat is exceedingly useful for starting plants into growth ; but the 

 continuous plunging of plants is seldom practised now. Shading must 

 now be put in order, and used only when sun is bright. The state of 

 the weather is the only guide in such matters. 



Now is a favourable time to get up a stock of Ferns. They divide 

 well, and will root readily into the fresh soil. Some of the kinds take 

 much more loam than others. Loam and peat suit most kinds. 



FLOWER GARDEN. 



In this departmeat there is little which can be added in a calendar to 

 what has been advised for January, — a general examination of the stock, young 

 and old, to supply plants for the beds next season. Get growth active, so that 

 vigorous cuttings may be had ; weakly stunted ones are diflBcult to root, and 

 are long in making good plants. When the cuttings are active they root 

 without any check, and are large when they are turned out. This applies to 

 Verbenas, Alternantheras, Iresines (the two last require to be in heat late, 

 as they are tender and cannot be bedded out early). Heliotropes, Petunias, 

 Fuchsias, &c. A good stock of hardy plants of tine foliage, such as Sedums, 

 Cerastiums, Ajugas, Arabis of sorts, &c., are all useful, and can always meet 

 a shortcoming. Pansies of the better class now so favourably known are 

 most useful, especially where ground is rich and deep. Dahlias and Canuas 

 kept as stove roots may be examined, and if the stock is short they may be 

 potted, boxed, and placed into heat to be increased. Calceolarias may be 

 taken from their cutting-pits and planted in turfy loam, to be afterwards lifted 

 with balls to the beds. See that green-fly does not have its own way. Fumi- 

 gate with tobacco-smoke where it appears. Pot Geraniums, or plant them in 

 pits, using turfy soil, which will adhere to the root when they are transferred 

 to the beds : finer kinds, or those which may be scarce, should not be put 

 with the general stock. All hardy plants in pits or frames must be kept free 

 from damp by abundance of air. Slugs may be lurking among the plants ; they 

 should have fresh lime thrown in their tracks. All hardy plants to flower 

 in pots, such as Chrysanthemums, Lobelia cardinalis, &c., should be kept 

 away from the bedding-stock, so that they may have proper treatment. Shrubs 

 and trees may be planted when ground is in condition ; but Evergreens we 

 would prefer leaving till they were about to grow in April. 



