214 THE GARDENER. [May 



goniums, Verbenas, &c. — should now have as much air and light as pos- 

 sible, using no protection except to exclude frost ; but if newly out of 

 heat or shade of other plants, exposure must be given gradually. After 

 the 20th, planting out may begin with the hardier sorts — such as Cal- 

 ceolarias, Gazanias, Centaurias, and others. Keep plants such as 

 Perilla, Heliotropes, and Dahlias to the last. Slight frosts would ruin 

 them. We are not favourable to planting when ground is very wet, 

 as the earth cannot be placed kindly next the roots. Let the balls of 

 soil be moist when planting is done, and little water may be required ; 

 but if it is given, give enough to wet the whole bed, and apply the hoe 

 freely as soon as it can be done properly. Chrysanthemums should 

 be potted on into good turfy loam, and a little sand as soon as the 

 pots get filled with roots. If they become pot-bound, much injury 

 will be done : plunge the pots so that the sun will not burn up the 

 roots. Tulips may now be shaded from sun. If nights are frosty, pro- 

 tection will be necessary. Bedding plants may be turned out of their 

 pots in loose soil, keeping the balls together, and kept growing where 

 protection can be given till beds can be cleared of bulbs, &c. Balsams 

 and Cockscombs to flower under glass will require potting as the roots 

 reach the sides of the pots ; this, however, with Cockscombs, is when 

 the flowers have shown themselves. Air, light, and gentle bottom-heat 

 are necessary till they are ready for flowering, then cooler treatment 

 suits them. Give plenty of liquid manure when they are blooming. 

 It answers well to sow Balsams now for late blooming. All flowering- 

 plants will now be making active growth. They require more water, 

 but allow none to become sodden, and avoid wetting surfaces of pots 

 and allowing the principal roots at bottom to perish from drought. 

 This often happens with Heaths, Azaleas, and other hard -wooded 

 plants. Use tepid water for the more tender things. Window-plants 

 require sprinkling overhead frequently, after dry dusty days. Keep 

 surfaces stirred and free from moss and weeds. M. T. 



NEW PLANTS OF THE PAST TWO MONTHS. 



With the accumulating spring shows, these are now appearing some- 

 what numerously. As is usual at this season of the year, Orchids form 

 a large proportion of the new introductions, which will be seen from the 

 following list, all of which have received first-class certificates : Odonto- 

 glossum triumphans nigrescens, a heavily-marked form of this species ; 

 0. Hallii superbum, a very fine spike of which was exhibited ; and 



