318 FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 



or some similar light material should always be used. Even bulbs 

 intended to bloom in glasses 'we prefer starting in the cold bark, and 

 then transferring them to the glasses when the roots are about two 

 inches long. Where such covering is not adopted, the pots or glas?es 

 should be kept in a dark place till the roots are two or three inches 

 long, and then bring them to the light. Always use water for the 

 glasses that is just aired ; ' cold water gives a check which greatly injures 

 the roots, and consequently the bloom. Cactus plants that have been 

 kept out of doors, or in the greenhouse, should occasionally be brought 

 into the stove for flowering, which gives a succession. If any of the 

 forced plants be attacked with the green fly, a syringe with diluted 

 tobacco-water will destroy them. If the leaves appear bit, and turn 

 brown (the effect of damage by red spider), a syringe of soap-suds at 

 the under side of the leaves is effectual to destroy them. The glutinous 

 substance remaining, not only kills those it is applied to, but prevents 

 others returning there. The old Eranthemum pulchellum, with its fine 

 blue flowers, Justicia speciosa, Gesnerias zebrina, Justicia pulcherrima, 

 Aphellandria cristata, Poinsettia pulcherima, Cestrum aurantiacum, 

 and Begonia fuchsioides, are fine winter ornamental blooming plants. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE. 



As much fire as will barely keep out frost will only be necessary, and 

 for the purpose of drying up damp arising from foggy nights, or from 

 watering. All possible air should be admitted in the day-time ; but 

 mind to keep the plants from damage by frost. The plants must not 

 be watered overhead. Some of the Chrysanthemums that are grown 

 in pots and taken into the greenhouse will be found to have pushed a 

 number of suckers. If the offsets are wanted for the increase of the 

 kind, it is advisable to pinch off the tops, so as to prevent their ex- 

 hausting the plant and weakening the flower. If the flower-buds are 

 thinned out freely, it conduces to the increased size of those left. If 

 the offsets are not wanted, it is best to pull up the suckers entire. 

 Attention will be required to watering, as the roots absorb much if 

 given : give manure-water occasionally. If the plant is allowed to 

 wither, it checks the flower, whether in bud or expanded. So much 

 do we admire this handsome genus of flowers, that we are fully per- 

 suaded their beautiful blossoms, exhibited in form and colour, Mill most 

 amply repay for any labour that may be bestowed on the plants. If 

 seed be desired, retain the blooming stems on the plants, and keep them 

 for some time in an airy warm situation to perfect. 



Dahlia seed is best retained in the heads as grown, spread singly 

 Avhere they will not be liable to mould, and kept in a dry but not too 

 hot a situation ; being thus kept in the chaff, the small seed will not 

 shrivel, but be kept plump. The roots must be dried well before being- 

 put away, or will be liable to rot. Fuchsias and greenhouse plants, 

 intended to be inured to the open air, will require to have protection at 

 the roots, and probably, for the first winter, over the tops too, by furze 

 branches, canvas, wicker baskets, mats, &c. If greenhouse plants re- 

 quire watering or syringing over the tops, let it be done on the morning 

 of a clear day, when air can be admitted ; and towards evening a gentle 

 fire-heat should be given. Be careful to protect beds of what are tech- 

 nically called " florists' flowers," should severe weather occur. Cal- 



