FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 95 



hands, stopping up any holes made by worms, &c. A top-dressing, too, 

 of rich compost, free from wire-worm, is very beneficial. Often stir 

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

 their growth ; if none fall, water with soft water in the morning : well- 

 water is injurious. Weak manure-water occasionally poured between 

 the plants contributes to vigour. 



Tulips. — Stir the surface of the bed an inch deep. Protect from 

 hail, frost, and strong wind. 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, 

 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. A few sticks among the shoots 

 prevent them being twisted. 



Chrysanthemums. — Strike cuttings, or pot off rooted suckers. (See 

 articles in our present number.) 



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



IN THE FORCING FRAME. 



Balsams, Cockscombs, Globe Aiuaianthuses, &c, that require 

 potting off, or repotting, should be duly attended to; also Thunbergias, 

 Browallias, Lobelias, Brachycoma, &c. Seedling Fuchsias, Verbenas, 

 Petunias, &c, should be potted off singly. Dahlias, too, should be 

 placed so as not to be drawn up weakly. Achimenes must be potted 

 off singly. (See articles on culture in previous numbers.) Tender 

 Annuals, as Stocks, Zinnias^ &c, should be placed in a cool frame or 

 pit, to prevent them being drawn up weakly. Where it is practicable 

 to prick out, such as Stocks, Asters, &c, upon beds, and protect with 

 frames, it should be done ; it gives a robust growth to them. Cuttings 

 of Fuchsias, Petunias, Verbenas, and many other greenhouse plants, 

 should now be put off. Young plants of Fuchsias, now procured, if 

 six inches high, will make fine ones for shows in summer. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE, &c. 



Admit all the air possible. Re-pot Lobelias, Tigridias, Geraniums, 

 Verbenas, and other similar plants for beds. All other kinds of plants 

 requiring re-potting should now be done (see Compost, &c, in last 

 month's Calendar). Such as are straggling, &c, should be cut in, to 

 render them bushy. Pelargoniums will require particular attention in 

 tying up, watering, and fumigating (if green fly be perceived); occa- 

 sionally give a little manure-water. (See articles on culture in pre- 

 vious volume.) Camellias — when done blooming, examine the roots, 

 and if necessary re-pot (see articles upon, for soil, &c.) ; then place 



