52 



MAY — FIRST AND SECOND WEEK. 



again towards evening. When indications of ripening 

 by changing colour appear, desist from the use of the 

 syringe, and give them no further supplies at the root. 



Strawberries. — When ripening their fruit they may 

 be placed in a frame where a free admission of air can be 

 given. 



"Vines. — Encourage the young stock intended for grow- 

 kig in pots next year, to make healthy, luxuriant growth, 

 by giving them plenty of pot room and manure water, to 

 set them in a light situation in some of the forcing-houses, 

 and to pay early attention to the leaders as they advance 

 in growth. Where Muscats are growing with Hamburghs 

 and other such free-setting varieties, it is advisable to 

 keep up a brisk day-temperature for the Muscats during 

 their season of blooming, and until their berries are fairly 

 set, with a reduction to a night-temperature of 65° or 68°, 

 to suit the other varieties. 



SECOND WEEK. 



greenhouse and conservatory. 



A free ventilation is of importance, and by closing 

 with a humid atmosphere early in the evening a vigorous 

 growth will be promoted. Liberal shifts to be given to 

 such plants as may now require them, before their roots 

 become matted. Remove all plants intended for bedding 

 out, and let them remain for a short time under the pro- 

 tection of a cold frame, or in beds hooped over, and 

 covered at night with mats, or other such protecting 

 materials. This gradually -hardening-off will better en- 

 able them to withstand unfavourable weather, if it should 

 occur after they are planted out. 



Azaleas.— All irregularities of growth should be cor- 

 rected by pruning. We have lately seen the beneficial 

 effects of close pruniog on such plants ; they had been 

 cut in severely last season by removing strong, straggling 

 branches of old wood, to give some a spherical and others 

 a pyramidal form. When pruned, the ball was reduced, 



