120 SONGS OF THE FLOWERS. 
IN THE GREENHOUSE AND COLD FRAME. 
A free ventilation is of importance, and by closing with a humid 
atmosphere early in the evening, a vigorous growth will be best pro- 
moted. Give liberal shifts to such plants as require it, before the 
roots become matted, much injury is often done by deferring until a 
general shifting. Camellias, such as have formed their flower-buds, 
should be placed in a sheltered and shady situation out of doors. Ericas 
should have the ends of their shoots pinched off, to render them bushy 
and spreading. Climbing plants should be neatly tied as they advance 
in growth, and abundance of flowers will be the result. In order to 
prolong the season of bloom of a favourite flower, much, in many cases, 
may at this time be done; such as usually bloom during the early part 
of summer, may be made to flower at an advanced period, by stopping 
or pruning the growing shoots of a few specimens, thereby causing 
them to form lateral shoots, and consequently a more prolific, as well 
as later bloom. Shrubby plants of weak growth, and which naturally 
make long frail shoots, are much improved by bending down the 
branches, and fixing them to a wire attached to the rim of the pot, in 
this manner the nakedness of the plant at its base is hidden, and the 
check imposed on the ascent of sap, will induce an increased supply of 
shoots. 
SONGS OF THE FLOWERS. 
NO. 3.-CHORUS OF SPRING FLOWERS. 
BY JOHN DUGGAN, ESQ. 
“« Some flowers 0” the Spring.”— Shakspere. 
‘* Joying to hear the birds’ sweet harmony.”— Spencer.’ 
O welcome sisters, once again we hail the bright’ning sky ; 
Each heart is lightly leaping—joy lives in every eye— 
And ev’ry bud, and ev’ry flow’r, and ev’ry bird and bee, 
Are blossoming in gladness now; are singing merrily. 
See rosy spring is smiling at her lovely children’s birth ; 
And their beamy eyes of beauty glad their foster-mother, earth : 
And she kisses her sweet infants, and she dresses them in pride, 
And some she rears in garden-bow’rs, and some on mountain side. 
Though bright the dreams of glory that through winter lit our sleep, 
While our kind and genial mother watched our slumber long and deep. 
O brighter are the faintest gleams that o’er our eyelids play, 
When morning from the East comes forth and wakens blushing May. 
O happy! happy sisters! how beautiful we are! 
No chill, ungentle breezes, our loveliness to mar. 
Fond bees are humming o’er us ; sweet birds, to cheer us, sing; 
And all the world doth truly love, and welcome flowers of spring. 
