GANIC TS 3 
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re 
oe HE floriculturist has much to do at all seasons of the 
PS year, but the entire display of the coming season in 
a great measure depends on the results of the present = 
period, as the supply of plants must now be provided, and whether it 
is to proceed from seed, be propagated by cuttings, or increased by 
division, a prompt attention now is essential to success, 
IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
If severe weather occurs, sufficient protection must be afforded to 
all tender plants, but on all favourable occasions, as far as can con- 
veniently be done, take off the covering in order to dispel any damp 
air. See that all newly-planted shrubs remain secure, so the roots are 
not loosened by the wind. Planting trees, shrubs, &c., ought to be 
done as early as possible, guarding against the frosty air damaging the 
fibrous roots; as little exposure as possible is essential to success in 
growth. If Rose Trees are to be planted they must be done this 
month, or success is hazardous, and if they live they do not usually do 
well that season. Prune the open-air kinds of the entire hardy class. 
Perennial and biennial plants in the flower bed may be divided. Plant 
out Hollyhocks as soon as possible, if they are to bloom well the 
coming season ; so with any of the biennial plants. Pink beds, see 
that the plants remain secure, and stick some whin or fir-tree branches 
in among the plants, or make a low hedge of them around the bed, in 
order to screen the plants from the strong cold wind; a top dressing 
of well-rotted hot-bed manure should be given. Fresh soil should be 
added to all flower-beds; it very much promotes the production of a 
profusion of flowers. Manures should be laid over the roots of Roses, 
removing a few inches of the earth, filling up the hollow with well- 
rotted cow or hot-bed dung, and sprinkle it over with soil, so it may 
dry. Collect soils, &c., for forming compost, such as turf, peat, loam, 
&e. If the surface of beds of bulbs has become hard and stiff, stir it 
over frequently, in order to admit that free atmospheric influence to 
the roots which is essential to success. Polyanthuses in beds ought to 
have three or four inches thick of dry leaves carefully laid over it, but 
not to bury the plants ; add a sprinkling of soil to hold the leaves from 
blowing away, and, in severe weather, a few short sticks pricked in 
over the bed would support a mat for covering. 
Take the first opportunity about the middle of the month, if the 
weather be dry, to plant the Ranunculuses and Anemones, placing 
them at five inches apart, and an inch and a half deep from the crown 
to the surface ; and if the soil be dry, after planting, press the surface 
with a flat board. If the formation of the bed has not been effected, 
