56 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



FLOWER DEPARTMENT. 



The unfavorable weather of December has greatly retarded the develop- 

 ment of blossoms in the greenhouse or conservatory, and they will be less 

 gay than usual at this season ; with the return, however, of longer days 

 and a brighter sun, the plants will exhibit renewed vigor, and make up for 

 what they have lost. Take advantage, now, of all fine weather to give 

 plenty of air, and harden off the plants ; prune in all that require it ; top 

 dress others, and repot such as indicate that they need it. Begin to propa- 

 gate towards the close of the month, and prepare for increased labor as the 

 season advances. Seeds of many kinds of plants should be sown this 

 month. 



Pelargoniums will be especial objects of attention now in all good col- 

 lections. Early flowering plants should have their final shift ; others should 

 be topped, and their branches tied out to make handsome specimens. 

 Keep as near the glass as possible, and fumigate often to keep down the 

 green fly. 



Japan Lilies for blooming in the house should now be potted, after- 

 wards placing them in a frame where they can be protected from the frost, 

 unless it is desirable to have them bloom early, when they may be retained 

 in the house. 



Camellias will now be in full bloom; water liberally, and syringe in 

 fine weather. Plants may be grafted and inarched this month. Cuttings 

 may also be put in now. 



Azaleas will soon begin to grow; as soon as this is perceived, water 

 more liberally. 



Achimenes and Gloxinias for early blooming should be repotted now. 



Fuchsias should now be repotted; prune in the tops closely as well as 

 the roots, and they will make fine large specimens. 



Cinerarias should be repotted now ; fumigate often, to keep down the 

 green fly. 



Ericas will need attention ; keep them in the very coolest part of the 

 house ; repot all such as require it ; and put in cuttings for a young stock. 



Monthly Carnations, now growing vigorously, will require larger 

 pots. Keep the shoots neatly tied up. 



Stephanotus, Alamandas, and other fine climbing plants, should 

 now be repotted and pruned in, preparatory to a new growth. 



Pansies, now introduced into the house from frames, will flower finely 

 all the spring. Seeds may be sown now for a spring stock. 



Dielytra spectaeilis, now brought into the house, will be elegant 

 objects in March and April. 



Roses now coming into bloom should be liberally watered, occasionally 

 using liquid guano. Repot if they need it, and put in cuttings for a young 

 stock. Fumigate, to keep down the green fly. 



Verbenas will now require repotting ; seeds should also be sown for 

 raising new varieties. 



Plants of all kinds should be looked over, and top dressed, repotted, 

 pruned, tied up, and put into good order. 



