278 General Notices. 



this element, particularly so when they are fairly established in their flow- 

 ering- pots. Treated as above described, I have observed that the green fly 

 seldom makes its appearance. A slight fumigation, at times, is quite indis- 

 pensable, as a preventive is better than a safe cure. During April and 

 the following months, as the flowers begin to fade, the tops must be cut 

 close off" and set out of doors, when all danger of frost is over. In this state 

 they must remain until a fresh growth is produced, at which time they must 

 be divided and re-potted into sixty-sized pots, using leaf-mould, loam, and 

 sand ; then being placed in a cool frame, shaded from the sun, for about 

 two weeks ; after which they are again set out of doors in a shady situation, 

 and re-potted into larger sized pots when rooted sufficiently. I believe a 

 greater " mass of bloom" may be obtained when the plants are grown in 

 thirty -two's, than in pots of a larger size; but where "large specimens" are 

 the object in view, twenty-four's and sixteen's must be used ; in these sizes 

 they make enormous plants. The following compost I generally use, which 

 I find the plants to grow in very luxuriantly. Two parts loam, one leaf 

 mould, and one part " two years old cow-dung, with about one-fourth silver 

 sand," placing in the bottom of the pot, ahove the drainage, clay and burnt 

 earth, to act as absorbents. Water regularly with that mixed at the rate of 

 one gallon liquid to sixteen gallons of water, the effect will be surprising. 

 A collection of these charming blooming plants merits a place in every 

 greenhouse, pit-frame, or sitting-room window, being beautiful as well as 

 fragrant. — ( Fioricultural Cabinet. ) 



Garden Labels. — Experiments are the stepping-stones to progress, and 

 progress is the pioneer of discovery. I hit upon a plan lately for labelling 

 my border-flowers, which seems likely to prove a good one. The label is 

 of wood, but instead of being ivritten upon, a number only is used, and this 

 number is burrit into the tvood. The following simple plan effects the ob- 

 ject : — Get two flat pieces of iron, one of them half an inch, and the other 

 three-quarters of an inch wide ; let both be about seven inches long, an 

 eighth of an inch thick, and tapered to points at one end ; leave the narrow 

 piece of iron flat, but curve the broad end of the other into the form of a 

 C ; insert the pointed ends of each into a cork, to serve for handles ; and 

 with these tools, which a blacksmith will make for twopence, you may mark 

 any number of labels you please, using, however, letters instead of ciphers — 

 thus, 90 would be X C . It is a nice amusement of a winter's evening to 

 sit by the fireside, with a table before you covered with labels, and by 

 means of these Irons (I use two,) inserted in the fire, stamp the labels, 

 one after the other, as the irons become hot. Practice makes perfect, and a 

 few trials will insure accuracy and despatch. The advantages of the plan 

 are simplicity, cheapness, and durability, besides which you have the opera- 

 tion in your own hands, and can mark any odd label, or number of labels, as 

 you want them. A lady, who is one of my family, says that the plan is a 

 capital one ; the truth is, that she excels me in marking the labels, both in 

 speed and execution. — [Cottage Gardener.) 



Winter Blooming Plants. — The following are fine ornaments for a 

 greenhouse, conservatory, or sitting-room during winter : 



