T AST month was the proper time for grafting shrubs, 

 -^ ornamental kinds of trees as Tliorns, Limes, &c., 

 but the severe weather being more protracted, such sorts as have been 

 omitted may still be done, but the earlier the better. Tlie increase of 

 Shrubs, &c., by layering, should be done as early as possible, such as 

 Rhododendrons, etc. 



Annuals, hardy, such as Clarkia, Nemophila, Larkspur, &c., may 

 be sown in the open bed. The best metliod of sowing the small seeds 

 in patches is to have a quantity of finely sifted soil, spread a portion 

 where desired ; after scattering tlie seeds sprinkle a proportionate 

 portion over, and then press it closely upon them, which will assist a 

 more early and certain vegetation. If strong frost occur, it is advi- 

 sable to cover a garden pot over during the night and remove it in the 

 morning. Seeds of Biennials too should now be sown in beds, such 

 as Ilollyoaks, S^eet Williams, Scabious, Canterbury Bells, &c. 

 Also seeds of Perennials as Phloxes, Campanulas, &c. Newly 

 budded trees, that is tliose budded last season, sliould be looked over, 

 and if any portion of the stock be pushing shoots they must be rubbed 

 off so tliat the entire strength should go to the new shoot engrafted. 



Auriculas. — Give air freely on all suitable occasions, to prevent 

 the flower stems being drawn up weakly. They must, liowcver, be 

 protected against strong wind and dust. By tlie end of tiie month the 

 blossoms will be opening, no water must be allowed to fall upon them, 

 and they must be shaded from hot sun by canvas. A stage of shelves 

 inclosed in a wooden frame or similar provision, having the bottom 

 shelf two feet or so high, and gradually rising, &c., also to be properly 

 shaded, is an erection indispensable to siiowing them to advantage. 



Polyanthuses too require similar attention to the Auriculas. 

 Neither kinds should be allowed to droop for want of Mater, and the 

 stems, if by casualty are too weak to sustain the truss, must be sup- 

 ported by a neat stick, &c. 



Pinks.— If beds of them were not made in autumn and omitted too 

 last month, they ought to be done immediatel}'', if required to bloom 

 tlie coming season. A loamy soil, made of turfs a few inches tliick 

 and well rotted, \\\X\\ an equal portion of old decayed cow-dung, is 

 admirably adapted for their growth. It should be nine inches deep, and 

 have a good drainage below. The plants must be removed with as 

 much of the ball of soil as possible, and be planted six inches apart. 

 High raised beds are not beneficial except in low wet situations. Where 

 a compost, as above, is not at hand, six inches thick of old cow-dung 

 should be dug in witli common garden soil. 



