i88i.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 161 



growth is active, plenty of water, and no surface - dribbling. Soil 

 suitable for most of them is peat, sand, and charcoal. If the peat is 

 fairly mixed with sand it is generally enough : a little pure maiden 

 loam with some of the kinds is advantageous. To judge of soils, it is 

 well to examine what the plants are growing in. If they have done 

 well, get soil of the same kind for them. Plants of Liliums, Fuchsias, 

 Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, Double Petunias, may now be on the way 

 for summer flowers ; and seed may be sown of Balsam, Cockscombs, 

 (especially of the feathered Cockscombs), and Globe Amaranthus, for 

 decorating structures. The latter does well with gentle bottom-heat, 

 kept well to the light, and air increased as the plants advance in 

 growth. Stage Pelargoniums require watching to keep them free from 

 aphis. Stake them out, keeping the " crutches'' out of sight as much 

 as possible : use no more than are absolutely necessary. Give clear 

 manUiS-water to those which have plenty of feeders to consume it. 

 Surfacing of turfy loam, mixed with a little rotten cow-manure, may 

 be of much service to all the Pelargonium class with pots full of roots. 

 Calceolarias, of the shrubby kinds, which have been wintered in small 

 pots, may have a liberal shift into rich soil before they begin flowering. 

 Liliums, of kinds, may be staked, surfaced, and got ready for flowering. 

 In the show-house, climbers ought to be regulated — not trimmed or 

 tied out of natural outline, but to prevent matting or undue monopo- 

 lising of space. Good soakings of water may be required by plants 

 growing in the conservatory borders. Specimens should stand clear 

 of each other ; and clean surfaces of every description should be the 

 rule. Plants going freely into growth should be kept clear of their 

 old decaying foliage. Insects may be kept off by syringing quassia- 

 water over the stock of plants. The syringe may be used lightly 

 with clean rain-water, morning and evening, before and after the sun 

 is powerful on them. 



Fire-heat may be used to keep out frost, if it should unfortunately 

 visit us ; and if a damp period should occur, the heating apparatus 

 may be used to keep the house healthy, but we never would use fire- 

 heat if we could avoid it. 



Plants which are going out of flower should be carefully placed out 

 of the reach of frost, and hardened gradually for turning out in their 

 summer quarters. This applies to Roses, Cytisus, Rhododendrons, 

 Kalmias, Lilacs, Deutzias, Spiraeas, and suchlike. Primulas and 

 Cinerarias may be saved if they are worth it. A few named kinds of 

 the latter, of distinctive merit, may be useful to get good seed from, 

 and also cut into pieces to form plants. Sow seed of these and 

 Primulas, also of Begonias, and grow Fuchsias and Coleus from 

 cuttings. 



STOVE. 



If the stock of plants in this structure have been overhauled, roots 

 placed in healthy soil, and well drained, they should now be in free 



L 



