FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 213 
pipe the second crop of weaker ones, contending that these last root 
much more freely. Be that as it may, whether pipings or layers, those 
intended for next year’s blooming are better planted out now, or at 
least as soon as. they are fairly rooted. The beds should be made of 
well-decomposed dung, sound loam, and leaf-soil, equal parts ; in fact, 
they ought to be rich, as there is little danger of the Pink discolouring. 
‘The reason why we prefer planting at this time is that the plants get 
well established, stand the winter better, and lace much more correctly 
than when the planting season is deferred.. The surplus stock may be 
put out on store beds. A second crop of pipings may be put in, where 
it is desirous to increase the stock. Cinerarias, as the plants which 
have been turned out into the open border throw up suckers, they 
should be carefully removed, potted into small pots, and placed in a 
cool shady frame until sufficiently established. We have a list. of some 
of the best new varieties, which we will give next month. Sow seed 
in a light rich soil, and pot off the plants as soon as they have attained 
sufficient size. Dahlias, the prevalence of dry weather and, in many 
localities, of blight during the first half of the past month was unfa- 
vourable for the growth of these; the succeeding copious showers has 
re-established the vigour of the plants, and washed away the insects 
infesting them, so that we now look forward to a fine season of bloom. 
Continued care will be necessary in thinning out laterals as they 
appear, and securing such as are left against being broken by wind. 
Lighten up the soil around the plants with a fork, carefully avoiding 
injury to the young fibres. ‘Towards the middle of the month, adda 
layer, one or two inches deep, of cow-dung around the plants, avoiding 
such application, however, to all those with large or coarse flowers. 
Look actively after earwigs, and bear in mind that much of after- 
success depends on the care and attention bestowed at this time. The 
fancy kinds generally require a less exciting growth. Tulips, off-sets 
should be planted towards the end of the month. The bed should 
therefore be prepared, and consist of river-sand and fresh loam in 
equal portions; plant the young bulbs from two to three inches deep, 
and let the surface of the bed gently slope from the middle. Holly- 
hocks, see that the blooming stems are properly secured to a strong 
stake; where increase is desired, as soon as the flowers fade, the stems 
should be cut down, and the surrounding surface of the soil stirred up, 
adding thereon a little well-decayed manure ; this will induce them to 
shoot up vigorously, and afford a numerous division. The cultivation 
of this plant has been much neglected, and we are very glad to find it 
is again becoming increasedly popular. Some of Mr. Chater’s speci- 
mens, shown at the Surrey Gardens last month, were magnificent 
beyond anything we had seen; notice of them will be found infanother 
page. Pelargoniums, if the plants cut down last month are not 
already potted, they should be done at once; some of the cuttings, too, 
which were -potted early, may require another shift. Seed should be 
sown in pots of light rich soil. Rose budding should be completed as 
early as possible. Pansies, continue to propagate, and save seed from 
the best varieties. Chrysanthemums should be re-potted into larger 
