MISCELLANY OF NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE. 95 



troublesome pest, the pea-bug or woodlouse, as I could scarcely get a bloom 

 perfect last season ? 



An Amateur Grower and Young Subscriber. 



[Sloping stands, constructed of wood, zinc, tin, or pasteboard, we have seen 

 used. They have generally been painted green, some few blue, and in few cases 

 been white. The best we have seen used, to give the most correct and distinct 

 view of the flowers, was one that had the surface of the frame papered with a 

 square of such coloured paper under the individual flower that would give it the 

 most distinct appearance. The best stands are provided with tubes underneath 

 to hold water, into which the stalk being inserted, the flowers are kept fresh. 

 The floral societies usually specify in what form the flowers of each class are to 

 be exhibited, so that what may be deemed right in one place would be allowable 

 in another. Mr. Kirby, the secretary of the Boxley Heartsease Society, if ap- 

 plied to, will supply the information. Place some flat pieces of board or slate 

 in the spaces between the plants, and wrap up some bits of boiled potatoes in 

 dry hay ; upon this lay another board or slate, and the insects will feed upon the 

 potatoes. They may be thus attracted and destroyed quickly ; and by a little 

 successive attention an entire riddance may be effected.] 



On the Pomegranate. — A subscriber complains he cannot bloom the Pome- 

 granate against a west aspccted wall. It blooms and fruits well treated as 

 follows. A dry substratum; if not so naturally, it must lie formed by pieces 

 of stone, brickbats, &c. A light but rich loam. In pruning, leave the new 

 shoots (twiggy ones) as numerous as is requisite; as it is from them the bloom 

 is produced. It must be trained against a south aspected wall, and if sheltered 

 from wind on east or west all the better. 



Sen ex. 



Cinerarias. — A correspondent has suggested the propriety of offering medals 

 of higher value than are now given for Calceolarias at the floral exhibitions, on 

 the grounds of their great beauty, and still further capability of improvement. 

 I have no intention of detracting from the merits of the Calceolaria in recom- 

 mending the Cineraria as equally worthy of favourable consideration by those 

 who arrange the schedule of prizes. Few plants are more useful in a garden 

 than the Cineraria, for it might be bad in bloom, if desired, during the greatest 

 part of the year ; and, when in bloom, there are few plants more showy. Would 

 it not, then, be advisable another year to offer medals (even if of small value) 

 for the best six Cinerarias of distinct and good varieties ? 



[We think so too.] 



Floral Operations for April. 



Amaryllises, and other lilaceous bulbous plants which have been kept 

 dormant, may now be re-potted, and put into an increased temperature. 



Annuals, Hardy, such as Clarkias, Nemophilas, Larkspurs, &c, if the soil 

 be moderately dry, may be sown. The best method of sowing the small seeds 

 in patches is to have a quantity of finely sifted soil ; spread a portion where 

 desired ; after scattering the seed, sprinkle a little more soil over them, and then 

 press it closely upon the seeds, which will assist them in vegetating properly. 



Annuals, Tender, such as Cockscombs, Balsams, Stocks, &c. — Such as have 

 been sown, and may be up, should have all possible air given to prevent their 

 being drawn up weakly. In watering those in pots they must not be watered 

 over the tops, or many of the sorts will be rotted by it. The best method is to 

 flood over the surface of each pot, always using water that is new-milk warm- 

 Those annuals sown in frames must be watered (when requisite) with a very 

 fine syringe, or pan-rose to sprinkle with ; but the best plan is to take advantage 

 of gentle rains. For any seeds yet requiring to be sown, use fine soil pressed to 

 the seeds; and, when convenient, place the pots (if used) in moist heat till the 

 plants are up. Cockscombs, Amaranthus, Balsam, Browallia, Brachycoma, 



