202 THE FLORIST AND 



mats or other material, to keep out the frost, and line round the 

 sides with rough litter or clean straw for the same purpose. Wheal 

 the flower trusses commence to push, water may be more freely 

 given, but not overhead, unless in case of a genial showers, which? 

 seldom occurs at this time, and after the pips begin to expand, da 

 not let even the rain in upon them, as much of the fine powdery 

 substance, which constitutes a great portion of their beauty, would 

 be thereby washed off, but apply water more freely between the* 

 rows, admit air sufficient, but avoid beating winds. By fallowing 

 these directions, and having a good stock of plants, the lover of 

 flowers may be rewarded through the months of March and April, 

 without the aid of a greenhouse, with one of the loveliest sights^ 

 and most enchanting scents in Flora's kingdom. So far we have 

 spoken of the little favorite as a nursling and treasured up pet, but 

 like many other of GocVs blessings, it is not so very mindful of 

 man's fostering care. There are many of our city yards in which 

 there is a shaded and sheltered spot, in all such there is ample ac- 

 commodation for this plant ; use a fertile and well drained soil, 

 screened from the burning orb of summer, and the thawing gleams 

 of winter, and we can be recompensed by a sight of its beauty, and 

 refreshed by its delicious odor, without any other protection, al- 

 though of course if protected and taken care of under glass, we' 

 have greater perfection, and shall be no losers for our extra trouble.' 



After blooming is fairly over, choose a piece of ground sheltered 1 

 from the midday sun, if moist but yet drained, so much the bet-- 

 ter, plant out in rows a foot apart, and six inches in the row, place* 

 a little deeper than before, which will cause them to push out side 1 

 roots. If dry give a good watering when planted and an occasion^ 

 al repetition, in case of drought through the summer ; no further' 

 care is required, unless Red Spider, or Aphides should attack,, 

 when a good syringing with soap-suds, will speedily eridicate' 

 them. 



The following list, containing twelve of the best in each class, 

 is from the authority of Mr. John Slater, one of the "Lancashire 

 Heroes," and a sure guide, a man whose enthusiam knows no 

 bounds, and whose honesty is equal to his perseverance. 



