Horticultural Operations for Fehruartj. 95 



or no frost in the ground, and should no very severe weather set in in Feb- 

 ruary, vines in the greenhouse and grapery will start early and strong. 



Grape Vines, in the earliest houses, will now be showing their buds, 

 and will be in bloom by the middle of the month. The temperature should 

 be raised gradually, and syringing continued till the buds are well ad- 

 vanced: discontinue, however, before the flowers open, and keep up 

 the humidity of the house by damping the floors and walks in fine weather. 

 Give sufficient air to prevent forcing the growth too rapidly. Disbud as 

 soon as the buds are sufficiently forwarded to allow a selection of the 

 shoots, and tie them to the trellis as they advance. Vines in the green- 

 house and grapery will begin to move soon, and directly this is per- 

 ceived, commence syringing. They will probably be well broken by the 

 first of March. Air the cold houses as the season advances, in order that 

 the temperature may not be raised too high, and prematurely start the buds. 

 Vines in pots may now be brought into the house. 



Peach Trees, in pots, may now be brought into the greenhouse or 

 vinery, where they will soon swell their buds and open their blossoms. 



Figs, in pots, may now be placed in a favorable situation in the green- 

 house where they will begin to grow. 



Scions of Fruit trees may still be cut, and preserved as we have before 

 advised. 



Pruning orchards and fruit trees may be commenced this month. It will 

 save valuable time where there is much pruning to do. 



Cuttings of currants, gooseberries, quinces, &c., may now be prepared 

 for setting out as soon as the ground can be got ready in April. 



Strawberry Seeds saved last year, may now be planted in the green- 

 house in pots or boxes. 



FLOWER department. 



The continuance of favorable weather has been highly beneficial to all 

 kinds of in-door plants ; less fires have been required, and a greater abund- 

 ance of fresh air admitted, which has prevented that drawn and etiolated 

 appearance that they always have after a continuation of severe weather, 

 requiring just the opposite management. All plants suffer greatly during 

 such a long and cold winter as that of 1851 and '52. Epacrises, heaths, 

 and all Cape and New Holland plants, are especially susceptible of injury; 

 and the subsequent death or disease of many plants may be traced to their 

 forced growth, caused by the strong fires and want of fresh air, to which 

 they are often sul^cted in our cold winters. 



The greenhouse will now be in its greatest beauty. Camellias and 

 azaleas will now be in full bloom. Cinerarias, verbenas, monthly pinks, 

 primulas, and similar soft-wooded plants, will be coming into flower. The 

 house may now be rearranged, removing such as have done blooming, and 

 bringing forward others in their places. 



Prepare for all kinds of spring work. One or more hot beds, according 

 to the wants of the place, should be immediately set to work, and all kinds 



