342 THE PLEASURE, OR [APRIL, 



Keep the pots perfectly free from weeds, and the plants from de- 

 cayed leaves, and let the earth on the surface be stirred, if it binds 

 hard ; for this will encourage the plants to shoot, and will also give 

 an air of neatness. Water the pots often in warm weather, for they 

 will require a little every second day, or oftener if the season proves 

 dry, which should not be omitted, otherwise the plants will shoot 

 weakly, and produce but slender flower-stalks. 



When the flower-stalks have advanced, let them be supported as 

 directed in May. 



Carnations may yet be finally planted into the borders, or beds, 

 where intended to flower, but that should be done in the beginning 

 of the month : removing them with balls, and watering them as. 

 soon as planted. 



Management of Pots of Perennial Plants in general. 



Give fresh earth to such pots of perennial plants, as were not 

 dressed and new earthed in March. For the method of doing which, 

 see page 289. 



The plants will receive great benefit from this dressing ; and 

 where it was not done in that month, it should not be put off longer 

 than the beginning of this. 



If you have plants of any kind in small pots, that require to be 

 shifted into lager, it may be performed early in the month ; in do- 

 ing of which, turn each plant out of the former pot, with the ball of 

 earth entire ; trim the outside roots, and pare away some of the 

 old earth ; having fresh mould or compost, replant it into a larger 

 pot, filling the deficiency with new earth, and give some water im- 

 mediately. 



Be very particular in dry weather to supply all your plants with 

 a sufficiency of water ; this is a material article and should not be 

 omitted. Water should be always given as often as the earth be- 

 gins to appear dry in the pots, as there is no other general rule by 

 which it can be administered. . 



Pinks. 



Pinks may yet be transplanted, slipped, and managed as directed 

 in March, page 288. ...but it will be necessary to do this, as early in 

 the month as possible. 



Tender Annuals. 



Such tender annuals as you have in an advanced state, are to be 

 managed as directed in page 290; always observing to give them 

 more and more air, in proportion to the increasing heat of the wea- 

 ther, and shade to the young and weakly plants from the inid-day 

 sun, when too powerful. As they advance in growth, it will be ne- 

 cessary to raise the frames, in order to give them full liberty to 

 shoot, closing the vacancy below if thought necessary. 



But where there is the convenience either of a drawing frame, or 

 glass-case, for the purpose of drawing the tall growing tricolours, 



