162 THE GARDENER. [April 



growth. Abundance of atmospheric moisture and increased heat will 

 cause a healthy leafage ; and those which are to flower will be in con- 

 dition to do their part well : starvelings never give satisfaction. Bas- 

 kets with air plants must have the syringe well applied ; shade judi- 

 ciously, but overdoing it is a slow system of destruction, Achimenes, 

 Gesnerias, Gloxinas, and Begonias, for summer and autumn blooming, 

 may be on the way. Where means are plentiful, these can be had in 

 tlower long before this. A pit separate from the stove to bring such 

 things forward is very essential ; indeed, where all have to be huddled 

 into one structure, justice to the large bulk of the plants is impos- 

 sible. Fine-foliaged plants must not be syringed with dirty water. 

 In districts where lime abounds, it is almost impossible to get clean 

 handsome specimens. Clean rain-water is best for all purposes, and 

 should be used of the same temperature as the plants are growing in. 



Fire-heat, about 65° at night, 70° by day ; and when sun is bright 

 the heat may rise to 80° with safety. Shut up in good time in the 

 afternoon, dewing all over : a chink of air on at night when structures 

 are close is advantageous. Crowding is a general evil, and where such 

 is the case, one may say farewell to handsome specimens. 



FLOWER-GARDEN. 



Alterations and renovations may now close as soon as possible. Flower-gar- 

 dens should now assume a dressy appearance. Mowing, rolling, sweeping, 

 clipping, and other operations should have due attention. Any attempt at 

 display is labour lost where untidiness prevails. Better a small patch of well- 

 kept garden than acres of rough unkept ground. Grass should not be kept at 

 all except it cin be well dooe. Grass-seeds may be sown to improve lawns. 

 Box may be clipped : it is not too late to plant it if a soaking of water is given 

 afterwards ; but dribbling outside is as great an evil as it is an apology for 

 watering inside. Tulips and other bulbs will now be flowering well. If they 

 are a speciality, they may be protected with canvas. All spring flowering- 

 plants should be kept in good trim. A display of choice flowers at this season 

 is no mean item in a garden, whether large or small. Sow Mignonette and 

 Sweet Peas in the borders, where they are to flower. Sow in a gentle warmth, 

 Stocks, Asters, Marigolds, and others, to be afterwards pricked out under pro- 

 tection, and planted when all danger of frost is past. Hardy bedding-plants, 

 where ground is ready, may be planted according to taste. Keep in view what 

 tender things are to be associated with them. Other bedders ma}' be kept on 

 growing steadil}', increasing air as the plants are gaining vigour. Exposing 

 the stock of plants to drought and heat is a means of getting a weak stock, 

 and many losses must be sustained. 



Calceolarias may be planted into frames, turf-pits, or other make-shift 

 structures (good substantial pits are always the cheapest structures in the end), 

 using good turfy loam (a little leaf-mould will do no harm) ; they can then be 

 planted out in May. If kept hardy by light and air, they are not crippled if 

 exposed to a little frost. Pannes, Stocks which have been wintered in pots, 

 Carnations, Pinks, Violas, and other hardy kinds, may be planted in well-pre- 

 pared rich soil, free from stagnant water. Dahlias may be potted on, and if 

 large and healthy, they will flower early in August (we have seen a tolerable 

 show of them early in July). Any herbaceous plants, either from seed, cuttings, 



