SS) 
: 
: 
4 
j 
: 
J 
» 
FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 69 
down, so that they rest firmly, drawing the soil over them to the depth 
of two inches. The arrangement of the varieties is purely a point of 
taste ; some, when they are for exhibition, keep each sort to itself, in 
rows, across the bed. The only advantage of this is that the best 
blooms are more easily selected. Such as were planted in the autumn 
will now be making their appearance above ground. It is very neces- 
sary to keep the soil well round the crown of the plant; when this is 
neglected the bloom suffers. Should the weather be severe, protection 
will still be requisite. Tulips require continued attention, as directed 
last month. Any that happen to be affected with canker will appear 
sickly ; the roots should be examined, and the damaged part cut clean 
out. If left exposed to sun and air, the parts will soon dry and heal. 
Avoid frosty air getting to the wound by exposure. If by any 
casualty they get frozen, then, early in the morning, sprinkle the tops 
over with cold water, and keep them covered over for an hour or so 
before they be exposed, as the sun must not be allowed to shine upon 
them until the frost is all out. Carnations and Picotees may, at the 
end of the month, receive their final shifting. The pots known as 
No. 12’s are the size usually employed. In potting, place at the 
bottom two inches deep of crocks, to give free drainage. Use a com- 
post—which is best if it has been previously prepared and become well 
incorporated together—of these proportions: two barrows full of fresh 
yellow loam, three of well-rotted horse-dung, and half a barrowful of 
river sand, well mixed; plant in it without sifting, by breaking very 
well with the spade. Place the plants in a sheltered situation out of 
doors, and let them be carefully looked after. All those not required 
_ for potting plant out in rows in a bed, each plant being a foot apart 
in the rows, and two feet from row to row. Where frost has disturbed 
the roots of Panseys in beds, they should be pressed into their places, 
and a top-dressing of rich mould given to them, all over the bed. In 
forming new beds the plants should be placed six or eight inches apart. 
and the situation where they can have all the benefit of free air. 
Plants in pots, under glass, will require shifting into larger sizes, for 
as this is the period when they begin to grow, they will soon become 
weak, and bloom out of character, if confined in small pots. If beds 
of Pinks were uot planted in autumn early in the month they may be. 
In removing the plants, whether out of pots or open ground, be careful 
to retain all the ball of roots, and as uninjured as possible. For the 
open bed use a trowel for removing with. When planted, water, to 
settle the soil around the roots. Myacinths in beds ought to have 
protection from sharp frosts, and on fine days the surface soil should be 
stirred over occasionally. ‘To have Roses bloom Jate in the season 
now cut off the shoots to below where the new buds have pushed. 
IN THE FORCING FRAME. 
Sow seeds of any tender and half-hardy annuals that have been 
omitted, and introduce them here. Sow liberally of Cinerarias and 
Chinese Primroses, for if the plants be properly attended to, they will 
produce a fine bloom for autumn. Such as have been sown, and are 
up, should have all possible air given, to prevent their being drawn. 
