April.'} GREEN-HOUSE GERANIUMS. 265 



pruning, but, to have .fine large spikes of flowers, cut in the 

 wood of last year to about three eyes from the wood of the 

 preceding year; by this they will be much finer. Pome- 

 granates will only require a little of the superfluous wood cut 

 out. Perhaps some of them may be desired to flower in pot 

 or tabs during summer ; the balls will admit of being much 

 reduced, and by this a pot or tub very little larger will do 

 for them. Do not give much water until they begin to grow 



MYRTLES AND OLEANDERS. 



If any of these have grown irregularly, and are not headed 

 down or otherwise pruned, as directed last month, it should 

 now be done. Oleanders are very subject to the white scaly 

 insect, and, before the heat of summer begins, they should 

 be completely cleansed. This insect is likewise found on 

 Myrtles, which are worse to clean, and ought to be minutely 

 examined twice every year. We have observed the red spider 

 on these shrubs, which makes the foliage brown and unsightly. 

 If it is detected in time, syringing is an effectual remedy. 



GERANIUMS. 



These will now begin to flower, and the sun will greatly 

 deteriorate their rich colours where they are near the glass 

 with a southern aspect. The glass should be whitewashed 

 or covered with thin muslin, which will cast a light shade 

 over them, aud prolong the duration of the bloom; but if 

 they are above five feet from the glass, shading is not re- 

 quisite. The strong kinds will be growing very luxuriantly, 

 and require liberal supplies of water. When syringing, do 

 not sprinkle the flowers, as it would make the colours inter- 

 mingle with each other, and cause them to decay prema- 

 turely, If they have been properly attended to in that 

 respect, it may be dispensed with after they have come in 

 flower. 



Cape Bulbs. Those that flowered late in autumn, as 

 soon as the foliage begins to decay, may be set aside, and 

 the water withheld by degrees. When the foliage is en- 

 tirely gone, and the roots dry, clear them from the earth, 

 23 



