March.] GREEN-HOUSE GERANIUMS. 199 



ing the bottom of the tub or barrel. For the best kind of tub 

 for large trees, see August, under this head, [f any of the 

 trees have stunted, straggling, or irregular heads about the 

 end of this month or beginning of next, head or cut them 

 down to the shape desired. The old wood will push fresh 

 shoots. You may cut close, or shorten less or more, according 

 as you desire young shoots to arise; at the same time observe 

 that you do not cut below the graft or inoculation. Trees 

 thus headed down should be kept until May, and then planted 

 in the garden (see May), or, if that cannot be done, turn it 

 out, and reduce the ball of earth by probing with a pointed 

 stick all round the sides and bottom of the ball, cutting off 

 any very matted roots. If any of the roots are decayed, cut 

 them into the sound wood. By being thus reduced, it will 

 go into the same pot or tub, if not a less one. Having a good 

 supply of fresh earth ready, put a few inches in the bottom of 

 the pot or tub, place the tree therein, and fill all around, at 

 the same time pressing it down with the hand or a stick. Give 

 very little water until there are signs of vegetation. 



MYRTLES, OLEANDERS, ETC. 



These, with similar exotics, may be treated as above. If 

 any of them have been infected with the scaly insect, after 

 heading down, &c., scrub the remaining stems with a strong 

 decoction of tobacco, heated to about 100. Afterward clean 

 with soap and water. 



GERANIUMS. 



These will be growing freely. Keep them in airy situations, 

 so that they may not grow too weak, and flower imperfectly. 

 To flower these plants strong and of good colour, they must 

 aov be crowded together, neither far from the light, and have 

 plenty of air admitted to them when the weather is favourable. 

 Keep them free from the green-fly, by fumigating frequently 



