Horticultural Operations for March. 143 



Grape Vkxes in the most forward houses will noAV be swelling up their 

 fruit, and will need thinning by the last of the month i liberal quantities of 

 air should be given, being careful to guard against cold draughts : keep up a 

 good temperature and a humid atmosphere by freely sprinkling the floors two 

 or three times a day. Vines in the greenhouse ^^ ill now be pushing vigor- 

 ously, and by the end of the month will be in bloom : observe the directions 

 just given for the early houses. Cold houses should be aired freely on 

 warm sunny days, to keep down the temperature and prevent a premature 

 swelling of the buds : the 1st of April will be soon enough to uncover the 

 vines. Vines in the open air may now be pruned ; it is the best season to 

 do this, when omitted in the fall. 



Peach Trees in pots will be swelling up their fruit, and will require 

 attention. A fresh lot may be brought in to keep up a succession. 



Figs in pots should be freely syringed, and liberally watered, as they ad- 

 vance in growth. 



CuRRA.NTs and Gooseberries should be pruned this month; and the 

 ground may be manured, preparatory to spading, as soon as it is in good 

 condition. 



Scio.NS of fruit trees should be mostly cut this month. Preserve in a 

 cool dry place. 



Pruning trees may be forwarded now ; improve every favorable oppor- 

 tunity to complete the work. 



FLOWER DEPARTMENT. 



The moderate weather of February has operated favorably in all kinds of 

 forcing. With the exception of one cold week, ending the 20th, light fires 

 only have been required to keep up the requisite temperature in all the 

 houses. Plants look much more stocky and highly colored than usual after 

 a continuation of very severe weather. 



Now is the time to advance spring work ; in about a month's time all will 

 be bustle and hurry; lose no opportunity, therefore, to look over your col- 

 lection of plants and see how large the stock and what kinds are wanting, 

 BO that propagation may be commenced at once to replenish the deficiency. 

 If new additions are intended to be made, apply early, for two reasons, 

 viz., — to get a good selection, and secure specimens in season to propagate 

 a duplicate or more. Make all calculations as to what is to be done, and 

 proceed systematically to complete tliem. The houses should now have a 

 thorough inspection, repotting all that need it, and top-dressing others. 

 Attend to cold frames and hotbeds: the former will need an abundance of 

 air in good weather, and a good heat must be kept up in the latter by new 

 linings of dung or leaves. Sow all kinds of seeds for early blooming. 



Camellias will now be getting over tlieir bloom. Prune in such as need 

 it, to a good sound bud, raise the temperature slightly, syringe every day, 

 water with liquid guano, and a fine growth will be the result. Inarching 

 and grafting may still be done. 



Azaleas will now be in full flower; water more freely. 



Pelargoniums will be advancing rapidly. Keep them rather sparingly 



