FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 69' 



protection will still be requisite. Tulips require continued attention, 

 as directed last month. Any tiiat happen to be affected witli canker 

 will appear sickly ; the roots sliould be examined, and the damaged 

 part cut clean out. If left exposed to sun and air, the parts 

 will soon dry and heal. Avoid frosty air getting to the woiuid by 

 exposure. If by any casualty they get frozen, then, early in the morn- 

 ing, sprinkle the tops over with cold water, and keep them covered 

 over for an hour or so before they be exposed, as the sun must not be 

 allowed to shine upon tliem until the frost is all out. Carnations and 

 Picotees may, at the end of the month, receive their final shifting. 

 The pots known as No. 12's are the size usually employed. In potting, 

 place at the bottom two inches deep of crocks, to give free drainage. 

 Use a compost — which is best if it iias been previously prepared and 

 become well incorporated together — of these proportions : two barrows 

 full of fresh yellow loam, three of well-rotted horse-dung, and half a 

 barrowful of river sand, well mixed ; plant in it ivithout sifting, but 

 breaking very well witli the spade. Place tlie plants in a sheltered 

 situation out of doors, and let tliem be carefully looked after. All 

 those not required for potting plant out in rows in a bed, each plant 

 being a foot apart in the rows, and two feet from row to row. Where 

 frost has disturbed the roots of Panscys in beds, they should be pressed 

 into their places, and a top-dressing of rich mould given to them, all 

 over the bed. In forming new beds tiie plants should be placed six or 

 eight inches apart, and the situation where they can have all the benefit 

 of free air. Plants in pots, under glass, will require shifting into 

 larger sizes, for as this is the period when they begin to grow, they 

 will soon become weak, and bloom out of character, if confined in 

 small pots. If beds of Pinks were not planted in autumn, at the end 

 of the month they may be. In removing the plants, whether out of 

 pots or open ground, be careful to retain all the ball of roots, and as 

 uninjured as possible. For the open bed use a trowel for removing 

 with. When planted, water, to settle the soil around the roots. 

 Hyacinths in beds ouglit to have protection from sharp frosts, and on 

 fine days the surface soil should be stirred over occasionally. 



ZM- TEE FOB-CZirC FRAME. 



Sow seeds of any tender and half-hardy annuals that have been 

 omitted, and introduce them here. Such as have been sown, and are 

 up, should have all possible air given, to prevent their being drawn. 

 In watering, it nmst not be over the tops, or many of tiie sorts will be 

 rotted by it. The best method is to flood over the surface of each pot, 

 always using tepid water. Annuals sown in frames — Cockscombs, 

 Balsams, Ttiunhergias, &c., — if large enough to pot, should be done 

 in 60-sized pots. 



Sow seeds of Dahlias^ Fuchsias, Petunias, Verbenas, &c., as soon 

 as possible ; cover them liglitly with fine sandy soil, and press the sur- 

 face smooth witli a piece of flat l)oard. Seeds of most greenhouse plants 

 will do well if sown now. Dahlia roots, brought in last month, will 

 have began to push shoots, which, when about three inches long, should 

 be taken off", cut close under a joint, and struck in sand. Continue to 

 put in cuttings of all kinds of plants intended to bed out. Re-pot and 

 forward Amaryllises, Gesnereas,&c., as directed last month. Ipomeas 



