110 THE GARDENER. [March 



over this a few of the largest lumps from the heap of soil prepared for 

 potting. The plant to be potted being turned out of the pot it has 

 hitherto occupied, the ball should be partially reduced, the roots ex- 

 amined, the dead roots cut away, as well as any long straggling points. 

 I have always found that where these are headed back, a quantity of 

 small fibrous roots or feeders is put out round the cut made by the 

 knife, which proves of great help to the plants. The ball being thus 

 nicely trimmed, a handful of the compost should be spread over the 

 rough surface of the turfy lumps placed above the drainage, and the 

 roots at the bottom of the ball spread carefully over the soil, and so 

 adding soil and arranging the roots till the ball is covered. The pot 

 should then be filled to the rim, and the operation finished by press- 

 ing the soil together with the fingers till it forms a compact body. 



Before removing the plants to a light and airy part of the green- 

 house, or any other place in which they are to remain, they should be 

 well watered so that the soil be quite saturated with moisture ; and 

 this will be found sufficient for their requirements till shoots begin 

 to be formed, after which water, with which a little guano has been 

 mixed, may be given them somewhat copiously, according to the re- 

 quirements of the plants. On every available occasion the plants 

 should be given sun and air without measure in fresh dry weather ; 

 in case of frosty weather, air must not be so plentifully given. 



I have found the "Queen of Flowers," as the Rose is most appro- 

 priately named, to possess somewhat gluttonous capacities, and able to 

 absorb strong stimulants, not only with impunity, but to her decided 

 improvement ; but it must be remembered that such should only be 

 administered when good healthy growth is being made, on to the time 

 when she shall complete the rich fulness of her marvellous beauty, 

 which has distinguished the " Queen of Flowers " almost above every 

 other flower. A. Kerr. 



HINTS FOR AMATETJRS.-MARCH. 



There are perhaps more seeds sown during this month and next than 

 all the remainder of the season, and it may be of use for beginners to 

 have a few brief remarks on seed-sowing. When we read the instruc- 

 tions given by some as to the quantity of seeds required to supply a 

 given piece of ground, we conclude that there must be very extravagant 

 notions abroad as to the cropping of gardens ; and when we still 

 further learn what one man pays for seeds, while another does not pay 

 half the sum, and has his ground in proportion much better cropped, 



