FLORAL OPEKATIONS FOR THE MONTH. 311 



about two inches long. "Wliere such covering is not adopted, it is of 

 advantage to have tlie pots or glasses kept in a dark place till tlie shoots 

 are two or three inches long. 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 re- 

 turning there. The old Eranthemum pulchellum, with its fine blue 

 flowers, Justicia speciosa, Gesnerise zebrina, Justicia pulcherrima, and 

 Appellandria cristata, are fine winter ornamental blooming plants. 



IN THE GRSBSrHOXTSE, &c. 



As much fire as will barely keep out frost will 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 tlie 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 to the weakening of the flower. If tlie 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 flowers, 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, will 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 lieads as grown, spread singly 

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

 hot a situation ; being thus kept in the chaft', tlie small seeds 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, &c. 



If greenhouse plants require M'atering or syringing over the tops, 

 let it be done on tlie 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 technically called " florists' 

 flowers," should severe weather occur. Calceolarias tliat were cut 

 down and re-potted last month will require attention, not to water 

 too much, or they will damp off. Keep them in a cool and airy part 



