20 THE FLORIST AND 



suggestions. Chrysanthemums are often retained too long in the green- 

 house, often to their irreparable injury. My plan is to cut them down imme- 

 diately after their flowers begin to fade, and, turning them out of their pots^ 

 plant them out in some place protected from severe frost. Camellias, as they 

 flower, are benefitted by occasional weak doses of liquid manure ; if any are 

 desired to flower particularly early next year, encourage them now to make 

 growth as early as they can — success will depend on this. Wherever a slight 

 heat can be commanded they maybe very successfully grafted now. Daphnes 

 before they go quite out of flower, ought to be repotted, if the soil seems 

 any way sour. A qoarse, open, loamy soil is especially essential for this 

 tribe. 



Hot House — Those who possess one will, at this season, be amply repaid 

 the additional expense of fire heat by the superior floral attractions it em- 

 braces. Euphorbias, Habrothamnuses, Plumbagos and acanthaceous plants 

 are peculiarly rich at this season. The same general remarks will apply as 

 are referred to the last section. A heat of 55° to 65 will have to be main- 

 tained. Roses, and other things from the greenhouse, can he occasionally 

 introduced through the coolest end, and give additional interest. In forcing* 

 the principle is to "walk before you run," or come on slowly at first. Or- 

 chidese need not be kept much over 55°, and kept just moist as a general 

 rule, exceptions only to be noted where the plants seem inclined to make vi- 

 gorous growth. A friend kept a Dendrobium nobile well over the last win- 

 ter where the temperature was sometimes down to 35°. Such instances are 

 useful, as it is the dread of their tenderness which makes so many fear to, 

 commence the cultivation of this most interesting tribe of plants. 



Vegetable Garden. — Little is to be done here besides preparing pea 

 sticks, bean poles, manure composts, and so on ; but these things in reality 

 comprise a good deal, tending considerably to forward spring work. Those 

 who can command a little heat, either by dung or fire, are better situated. — i 

 Early radishes, salads, asparagus and seakale can be had -wherever a tem- 

 perature not exceeding 55°, with abundance of light and air can be command- 

 ed. Seakale and rhubarb are best obtained early by placing long pots or boxes 

 over the plants, and then enclosing dung or leaves some feet thick over them. 

 Cucumbers and tomatos will require more heat and more attention; they 

 will not do well in a lower temperature than 65°, and the latter especially 

 will not set its fruit well without an abundance of light and air ; the tomato 

 also sets its fruit best in a rather dry atmosphere, while the cucumber loves 

 a moist heat. T. J. 



