120 



FAmilAli GARDEN FLOWERS. 



leafy and strong. But though as far from the pipes or 

 flues as possible, they require a tem]>erature (luring winter 

 never below 411°, and therefore what is called a warm 

 greenhouse is the best ]dace for them. 



In the early days of March shift them into S-inch or 

 iO-inch pots, according to the size of the plants. The soi] 

 for this shift must be somewhat rich — say three parts turfy 

 loam, one part rotten hotbed manure, one part leaf-mould, 

 and one part sharp saud. Be careful not to pot too firm. 

 As soon as the plants begin to grow freely, increase the 

 supply of water, and be careful to let them have as much 

 light and air as possible, taking care, however, to guard 

 them from any serious check. They may be flowered in 

 these pots, but it will be good practice, as soon as the pots 

 are fairly full of roots, to shift a few of the finest plants 

 into 12-inch pots ; and when these are full of roots, 

 manure-water shoiild be given, instead of pure rain-water, 

 to promote a fine head of bloom. 



