MARCH. 159 



^ortiailtiirHl Operations 



FOR MARCH. 

 FRUIT DEPARTMENT. 



After the mild January, it was hardly to be expected we should entirely 

 escape a touch of more severe weather in February : the anticipation has 

 been more than realized : for not only has the cold been more severe than 

 the average, but colder than for the last nineteen years ; the thermometer 

 having fallen lower than at any t'me since Dec. 16, 1835, when it reached 

 18° below ; the morning of the 7th, it stood at 13°. It was sudden and 

 of short duration, and we believe not so generally injurious to vegetation 

 as a less degree of frost of longer continuance: the peach buds are gen- 

 erally badly injured, but many shrubs which ordinarily are considerably 

 damaged by our winters, seem to look in better condition than usual : much 

 cloudy weather we think has aided to prevent injury ; for we have invaria- 

 bly found that a bright warm sun after severe frost has done more harm 

 than the frost itself. 



Grape Vines in the earliest houses are now swelling up their fruit, and 

 with the longer days, and warmer sun, will soon show a rapid improvement : 

 continue to top all laterals ; thin out the bunches if the crop is too large ; 

 give liberal quantities of air in good weather and maintain a humid atmos- 

 phere. Vines in the greenhouse will now be breaking : syringe every 

 morning until well out in leaf. Vines in the open air may be pruned and 

 tied to the trellis this month. Cuttings or eyes for increasing the stock of 

 vines may now be started in a good hotbed. 



Pyramid, Espalier and Orchard Trees may be pruned now. 



Scions should be cut this month, as a few days of warm weather in April 

 will soon start them into growth. 



Grafting Cherries and Plums may be commenced the latter part of 

 the month: root grafting apples may now be completed for the season. 



Peach and Fig Trees in pots should be attended to: water more free- 

 y if the peaches are well set. Peach trees for a succession of fruit may be 

 brought in. 



Prepare for active work with the first turn of fine weather : trench and 

 prepare ground if the frost is out. Look after the canker worm grub which 

 will begin to run the latter part of the month : tarring the trees will prevent 

 their ascent. 



flower department. 



The month of March always brings with it new and varied requirements. 

 To make the most of this period of the year, when the plans should be 

 laid for the season, is the duty as well as the pleasure of every true lover 

 of flowers and plants : a week or two, yes, even a few days in the prop- 

 agation of some plants, or the sowing of some seeds, secures double the 

 amount of satisfaction in the abundance of bloom and beauty. The whole 

 collection should be looked over, and wherever there is a deficiency of 

 stock, a fresh supply should be brought on. Seeds of various plants should 

 be sown ; rare and choice things repotted ; and everything which will be 



