May 



abundance of manure. A tall stake, firmly fixed, will also be neces- 

 sary for each plant. 



Petunias are very sensitive under a frost or cutting east wind. 

 Therefore be in no hurry to bed the plants until quite the end of 

 the month or beginning of June, especially if the weather appears to 

 be at all dotlbtful. A good mellow soil, free of recent manure, suits 

 them. If unduly rich, it will strengthen the foliage at the expense 

 of the flowers, and will also postpone the blooming until late in the 

 season. 



Portulaca. It is useless to sow until the temperature is 

 summerlike. If necessary, wait until the close of the month, or 

 longer, before putting in the seed. This flower will neither endure 

 a moist atmosphere nor a retentive soil. Sow on raised beds of light 

 soil, the more sandy the better ; and in seasons which speedily burn 

 the life out of other plants, Portulacas will display their beauty, no 

 matter how fiercely the sun may beat upon them. Water will occa- 

 sionally be necessary, but it should never be given until there is 

 obvious need for it. Portulacas are easily grown in pots or window- 

 boxes, and they will bloom profusely where many other flowers only 

 wither and die. 



Primula. Almost every season witnesses the advent of some 

 novelty in this flower, either in colour or in form. And the plant is 

 now worth growing for the beauty and diversity of its foliage alone. 

 The flowers range from pure white through all shades of tender 

 rose up to a deep, rich crimson. After years of earnest effort, two 

 beautiful blue flowers have been obtained. There are also several 

 elegant double strains, and these possess a special value for bouquets, 

 because of their enduring quality. The latest introduction is the 

 Star Primula, and this new type at once became extremely popular. 

 All the Primulas can be grown with ease in any soil which is fairly 

 rich and friable. Equal parts of leaf-mould and loam, with a little 

 sand, will suit them to perfection. Fill the pots firmly, and have 

 them well drained. A thin layer of silver sand sifted over the soil 

 will aid an even sowing by showing up the seed. As a finish, shake 

 over just enough fine soil to hide the sand. Thin sowing is impor- 

 tant, because the most reliable new seed is almost certain to germinate 

 at intervals, and the plants which come first can then be lifted with- 

 out imperilling the remainder. Prick off as fast as ready round 

 the edges of small pots, and shade until established. Then give air 

 more and more freely. 



Stock, Ten-week. The preparation of the soil is the first 



