158 FLOWERS AND THE FLOWER GARDEN. 



frost, and, even if it continue a little sharp, seed may be 

 sown on a warm sheltered border, and protected, giving 

 air whenever it is feasible. The object to be kept in 

 view is, to get a very sufficient supply of strong plants 

 to put out a little later in the year, and to flower early. 

 Autumn sown annuals, which have stood the winter so 

 far, may have a dressing of soot and ashes for the good 

 of the slugs, and protection, if necessary. 



A small frame, with sashes, merely placed on a raised 

 bed, not on a hot-bed, and half-filled with cinder ash, will 

 be found most useful in giving just enough protection 

 to plants which are coming forward for turning out. 

 Before placing the pots in it water the cinder ashes 

 well with thoroughly boiling water, to destroy the 

 insects. 



Cuttings for bedding plants may be put in whenever 

 they can be got, and safe room can be spared for them, 

 for if a set flower garden is contemplated, a great many 

 will be wanted. Cuttings which are growing well may, 

 perhaps, be removed from the place where they have 

 grown to a cooler, to make room for fresh set cuttings. 

 Give choice Dahlias heat, to start the shoots for making 

 cuttings. 



Prepare for slugs and snails with a top dressing of 

 soot and ashes wherever plants grow which are their 

 especial favourites, and try to catch the mice in traps 

 before the crocus roots and other bulbs fall a sacrifice. 



Look well through your lists of plants to see what 

 seeds should be sown, indoors or out, this month, 

 especially remembering Stocks, Larkspurs, and all use- 

 fully showy plants. 



Consider the requirements of Hyacinths, Tulips, 

 Carnations, Eoses, Auriculas, and all choice flowers, 

 and give them the protection, dressing, fumigation, 

 pruning, and other treatment they stand in need of. 

 The exact time for all this depends so much on the 

 weather, that the work of two seasons, the same month, 

 can scarcely ever be alike ; so the best plan, with 

 regard to favourite flowers, is not to depend on the 

 month's instructions as to their treatment, but to look 



