FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 95 



last month, they ought to be done immediately, if required to bloom 

 the coining season. A loamy soil, made of turfs a few inches thick, 

 and well rotted, with an equal portion of old decayed cow-dung, is 

 admirably adapted for their growth. It should be nine inches deep, 

 and have a good drainage below. The plants must be removed with 

 as much of the ball of soil as possible, and be planted six inches apart. 

 High raised beds are not beneficial except in low wet situations. 

 Where a compost, as above, is not at hand, six inches tiiick of old oow- 

 diuig should be dug in witii common garden soil. Protection from 

 cold winds is necessary ; this is readily done by a hedge of fir, yew, 

 broom, or furze branches. Autumn-planted beds should be top- 

 dressed with a little rich soil, and the plants be made firm in their 

 places ; a few small sticks stuck around amongst tiie shoots will prevent 

 twisting off. 



Ranunculuses and Anemones. — When the plants make their 

 appearance, and are risen an inch or two high, care must be paid to 

 have the soil pressed closely around them with the hands, stopping up 

 any holes made by worms, &c. A top dressing, too, of rich compost, 

 free from wire-worm, is very beneficial. If common large worms exist 

 in the bed, they may be collected by the hand at night, or pure lime- 

 water poured between the rows will kill the worms, and not injure the 

 plants. If allowed to remain, they are very injurious. Often stir up 

 the soil between the rows. Showers of rain are very beneficial for 

 tlieir growth ; if none fall, occasional watering with soft water in the 

 morning should be given. Well-water is injurious. Weak manure- 

 water occasionally poured between the plants contributes to vigour. 

 If severe frost should occur, cover at night, and protect from wind. 



Tunps. — Stir the surface of the bed an incli deep. Protect from 

 hail, FROST, and stroyig ivind, also from the mid-day sun, say from ten 

 till four o'clock. A hooped framework to support a canvass cover is 

 essential to proper protection, and so fixed as to be readily removed, or 

 put over when danger is apprehended. Keep the soil firm around the 

 stem, and mind that water does not lodge in the heart of the plant 

 where the infant flower is, or it will be damaged ; gently open the 

 leaves to admit the water to drain off. 



Carnations and Picotees. — If not potted off the end of last month, 

 they should be done immediately. 



Hyacinths should be protected from frost, sun, and wind ; secure 

 by tying to proper supports. Stir up the surface soil. 



Pansies in beds must have the soil pressed around the plants, and a 

 top dressing of rich soil an inch or two thick will be beneficial. New 

 beds of them should also be planted. 



Chrysanthemums. — Procure pieces of the shortest of the young 

 shoots from the base of the old stems, witli as much root as practicable ; 

 pot them in very small pots, and place them on a gentle bottom heat 

 till they are well rooted ; then gradually harden them, and pot them 

 on during the summer, according to tiie size the plants are required. 

 You may do this as soon as you please. If there are not short pieces, 

 take off the tops of the shoots and plant them as cuttings. 



Roses. — Now plant out the tender China and Tea, or Bourbons, &c. 



