48 FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 
to keep the soil in an equally moistened medium state, using water of 
a temperature equal to that of the house; if these points are neglected 
it is likely the flower buds will drop. Give weak mauure water alter- 
nate with the other. Continue to preserve all inmates of the cold 
jrame in as quiescent a state as possible. Inall cases when very severe 
weather continues for some time, it is necessary to keep the sashes 
close, and perhaps to retain during day as well as night the matted 
covering; much caution is therefore required to avoid destruction by 
damp. Admit air in abundance whenever the weather permits, and 
occasionally, when a mild day presents, clean the pit throughout, 
stirring the surface a little, also scrupulously remove all dead leaves 
and branches from the plants. Carefully and sparingly give water 
now and then, as absolutely required only. By observing these rules, 
injury from frost and damp is avoided. Alstrcemerias, Lilium speci- 
osum, and others should be re-potted. Any young plants which have 
filled their pots with roots should be potted into larger, as they require, 
from time to time. If a syringing of the plants over head be really 
necessary, let it be done in the morning of a day which is likely to be 
fine, and air be admitted freely. 
IN THE STOVE. 
Old plants of Fuchsia corymbiflora now gently pushed on will come 
finely into bloom by the first week in May, or if the season be fine, 
earlier. Exotic seeds should now be sown (see articles in former 
volumes). Successive introductions of plants forced must be brought 
in, as Roses, Lilacs, Azalea, Acacia, Heliotropes, Correa, Coronilla, 
Cineraria, Sweet Violets, Cactus, Cyclamen, Gardenia, Justicia, Eran- 
themum, Honeysuckle, Pinks, Gesneria zebrina, Nerium, Mignonette, 
&ce., and pots or boxes of Hyacinth, Narcissus, Persian Iris, Crocus, so 
as to have a constant succession of bloom. (See remarks on Hyacinth 
in January Calendar). All the plants now enumerated are suited, too, 
for a warm conservatory, and as that useful appendage is often con- 
tiguous to a room they are doubly charming in such a situation at this 
early season. Orchidaceous plants should be re-potted now, as they 
may require. ‘Take care that a due proportion of moisture is main- 
tained in the atmosphere, although most of this tribe require to be 
quite dry at the root during the rest season; yet they still require a 
somewhat moist atmosphere. Specimen plants for exhibitions will 
require re-potting, pruning, &c. Ixoras should be elevated so as to 
be near the glass in order to set their bloom, they must have plenty of 
air at all times convenient. Attacks from red spider at the under side 
of the leaves must be looked after and at once be destroyed, or they 
will soon spread their ravages, as will be exhibited by the leaves 
becoming brown and spotted. 
