FI,ORAL OPERATIONS FOB THE MONTH. 287 



Salvia patens, &c., should be kept dry. Plants of spring flowers, as 

 Hepaticas, Primroses, Polyanthuses, Auriculas, Wallflowers, &c., 

 should now be planted near the dwelling-house. 



Florists' Flowers. — Auriculas and Polyanthuses still require 

 well looking after. The top soil must be frequently moved, and if 

 there be any appearance of bad drainage, the soil must be carefully 

 turned out, and more broken pot added. A free circulation of air 

 amongst the pots be given by raising the frame a iev/ inciies from the 

 ground. Tulips should be planted as the first opportunities offer. 

 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. 

 Hyacinths should, if not already done, be potted or glassed immediately. 

 For 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 iq 

 total darkness, and change the solution about once a fortnigiitj in 

 doing this, hold the bulb in its place, and pour out the contents, filling 

 up again as before. In a few weeks, the roots having advanced con- 

 siderably, they may be removed to a window or other light situation. 

 Pansies straggling shoots may now be cut closely, leaving a joint 

 above the ground, and Iioops should be placed over the choicest beds, 

 that protection may be given in ihe event of sudden frost. Carnations 

 will require all the air and exposure possible in damp weather, avoidino- 

 continuous wet ; should any plants appear mildewed, sprinkle a little 

 sulphur over. Pinks — the beds must be kept free from weeds, and the 

 surface clean, occasionally stirring between the rows of plants. 

 Dahlias should be taken up, advantage being taken of fine days ; 

 secure the labels [firmly. Chrysanthemums siiould be placed \\ here 

 they^can be freely ventilated, as they ought not to be kept close or 

 warm, or they would soon become drawn and be attacked by insects. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE, COLD FRAME, &.c. 

 The proverbial dulness and dampness of the external atmospJiere 

 generally prevailing during this montli is sufficient to induce more than 

 tlie ordinary amount of care and attention. Plants of a succulent 

 nature are liable to suffer as much from damp as from frost. Venti- 

 lation on all favourable opportunities is therefore highly necessary, 

 closing the saslies early in the afternoon when a clear sky indicates 

 frost ; this precaution will often prevent the necessity of making fires 

 in these houses. Give water sparingly, especially to plants which are 

 impatient of wet, such as Calceolarias. Pelargoniums, and what are 

 called Scarlet Geraniums, such as have been in beds and newly potted 

 shuuld be kept nearly dry till they strike root afresh. For want of 

 this care vast numbers are destroyed. 



