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PROCEED without loss of time to complete all neces- 

 sary alterations in this department, such as removing 

 shrubs, planting edgings, laying turf, &c. Shrubs requiring increase 

 by layers may be done now, in a similar way to the Carnation ; some 

 of the tough wooded kinds do well by having the branch twisted at the 

 part where the cut in laying would have been made. All perennial 

 and biennial border plants which it may be desirable to increase should 

 be parted at once. Where they have spread out large, the most ready 

 way is to divide them with a spade into as many pieces as are wanted. 

 Now is the time to decide upon some arrangement of plants for the 

 beds of the flower garden, in order to give plenty of time to prepare a 

 stock of those required. Hardy annuals, to bloom early in tlie summer, 

 may be sown in sheltered situations. Cover them with finely sifted 

 soil, and press it gently down on the seeds. 



Florists' Flowers. — At this time Auriculas and Polyanthuses 

 that were top-dressed in proper time, and since received due attention, 

 will have commenced growing. Admit air on all favourable occasions, 

 to prevent them being drawn. Where increase is not particularly 

 required, it will greatly strengthen the bloom by removing all side 

 shoots as they appear. Give every attention, to maintain the plants 

 in vigour. Manure water should be given once a-week, taking care it 

 is not poured upon the foliage. Sheep's-dung, put into a tub, and soft 

 water poured upon it, in quantity so as it forms a strong liquid, is very 

 serviceable. The dung must be collected for a few weeks before 

 using. Old cow-dung will also answer the same purpose. If any ap- 

 pear too forward in showing bloom, it is best to leave them to take 

 their chance of being in condition when wanted. Checking is almost 

 sure to induce small and uneven flowers. 



Anemonies and Ranunculuses must be finished planting immediately. 

 If no bed has been prepared for them, it may be made by taking out 

 the soil to the depth of fifteen or eighteen inches, and replacing it at 

 the bottom, with a layer three or four inches thick of cow-dung, and 

 filling up with soil composed of decayed turfs taken from a loamy pas- 

 ture. The mode of planting is in drills, and to press the tubers 

 down, so that they rest firmly, drawing the soil over them to the depth 

 of two inches. The arrangement of the varieties is purely a point of 

 taste ; some, when they are for exhibition, keep each sort to itself, in 

 rows, across the bed. The only advantage of this is tliat the best 

 blooms are more easily selected. Such as were planted in the autumn 

 will now be making their appearance above groimd. It is very 

 necessary to keep the soil well round the crown of the plant ; when 

 this is neglected the bloom suffers. Should the weatiier be severe, 



