MarcllJ] GREEN-IIOUSE — GERANIUMS. 195 



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

 tub for large trees, see August under this head. If 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, accord- 

 ing 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 Mai/), 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 re- 

 duced, 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. Grive very little water until there are signs 

 of vegetation. 



MYRTLES, OLEANDERS, &c. 



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 situa- 

 tions, so that they may not grow too weak, and flower im- 

 perfectly. To flower these plants strong and of good color, 

 they must not be crowded together, neither far from the 

 light, and have plenty of air admitted to them when the 

 weather is favorable. Keep them free from the green-fly, by 

 fumigating frequently. 



