DIRECTIONS FOR EACH MONTH. 299 



thoroughly dry, put them in bags, and hang them up in a 

 dry room. 



Make it a rule to water all plants when they are first 

 planted, as it settles the roots to the earth. 



All Bulbs should be dried in the shade. 



Carnations and Pinks in pots should have oyster-shells 

 put over the surface to keep them cool, and to prevent the 

 sun from having too much influence. 



THE GREENHOUSE. 



May. 



If at the latter end of this month the nights are suffi- 

 ciently warm, some of the hardier greenhouse plants may 

 be exposed to the open air, such as Myrtles, and some of 

 the hardier Geraniums. As the nights in this month are 

 frequently cold, it would be more prudent to defer this 

 business till next month ; but if the collection is small, so 

 as to secure them of nights, it might do. At any rate, 

 when first they are put out they should be placed in a warm 

 situation for the first fortnight, and afterwards they may go 

 where they are to remain through the summer. 



When first they are put out, if the weather is dry, they 

 should be sprinkled to wash the dust off, as well as to re- 

 fresh them. 



The plants that want shifting 1 should now be attended to, 

 previously cutting away the roots round the sides, as well 

 as at the bottom of the plant. Always put an oyster -shell 

 to cover the hole at the bottom of the pot, and then a little 

 sand or gravel, before you put the mould in. 



Plant cuttings of Myrtles, Geraniums, &c. and put a 

 glass over them. 



