286 FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 
other appliances are seldom satisfactory. Mounds of new sawdust raised 
around the stem, with a considerable body over the soil as far as the 
root ranges, will be found of immense benefit, as retaining the ground- 
heat, which we believe ascends in a progressive way up the stem, to 
alleviate the effects of very severe weather. Standard and dwarf Roses 
of tender character will soon need protection. Do not, however, afford 
it before they have borne a little frost, or their period of covering may 
prove of too protracted a character in regard of confined damp. Finish 
directly the planting of all bulbs that are intended to be put in before 
winter; a little sand round each will assist in preserving them from 
wet. 
Frorist’s Frowrrs.—Auriculas still require well looking after ; all 
dead or yellow leaves must be gently slipped off, taking care not to 
wound the stem. The top soil must be frequently moved, and if there 
should be any appearance of bad drainage, the soil must be carefully 
turned out, keeping the ball entire, and more broken pot added. 
During rainy weather the lights of the frames must be kept on, but 
tilted, and a free circulation of air amongst the pots insured by raising 
the frame a few inches from the ground. Should autumnal blooms be 
thrown up, pull off the pips as soon as formed; but where they happen 
to be heart blooms, it is best to let the stems remain. Twlips should 
be [planted as the first opportunities offer. Some prefer to dibble the 
roots in, but the readiest and most regular way is to plant them on the 
surface of the bed unfilled to within four inches of the destined surface. 
Seven strings are then stretched lengthways at equal distances, and 
secured by nails at each end of the bed; when the bulbs are planted a 
short line crosses these, and a bulb is placed at each section ; the small 
line is then removed the requisite distance, and another row put in. 
When the bed is planted, the strings are removed, and four inches of 
soil placed over the roots very carefully, so that none are displaced. 
In planting Tulips it is sometimes a work of difficulty to arrange them 
properly, according to their respective height of growth; irregularity 
in this respect, when they are in bloom, being very unpleasant to the 
eye when viewed from either end of the bed. ‘The tallest kinds should 
be placed in the centre row, then those of intermediate habit, and the 
shortest in the two outside rows. To produce an agreeable contrast, as 
well as judicious mixture of colours, care should be taken to distribute 
the three classes of roses, violets, and bizarres equally throughout the 
bed. Hyacinths required for ornament, &c., should, if not already 
done, be potted or glassed immediately. or blooming in glasses, use 
rain or river water, adding to each pint a tea-spoonful of Cole’s 
chemical preparation in powder, which will be found greatly to increase 
their luxuriance ; fill up the glasses with this liquid until it will just 
touch the bottom of the bulb; place them in total darkness, and change 
the solution about once a fortnight ; in doing this, hold the bulb in its 
place, and pour out the contents, filling up again as before. Ina few 
weeks, the roots having advanced considerably, they may be removed to 
a window or other light situation. Pansies that have made long and 
straggling shoots, may now be cut closely, leaving a joint above the 
ground, and hoops should be placed over the choicest beds, that pro- 
