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MARCH— FIRST WEEK. 



Orchids. — The general collection to be favoured 

 with a good steaming every clear morning for about half 

 an hour : this to be done by sprinkling the flues or pipes 

 when warm. Plants in a growing state to be slightly 

 shaded, to prevent flagging from too copious a perspira- 

 tion during a sudden mid-day bright sunshine. Orchids 

 are generally increased by passing a sharp knife between 

 the pseudo- bulbs (taking care to leave at least two or 

 three undisturbed next the growing shoots) so as to sever 

 one or more of the dormant bulbs from the parent plant, 

 which should remain until it shows signs of growth, when 

 it may be taken off and potted. 



FORCING-HOUSES. 



Cherries. — The syringe to be used freely except when 

 in bloom, plenty of air to be given, and the green fly 

 kept down ; shutting up with a little extra solar heat in 

 the afternoons of bright days. 



Figs. — Abundance of syringing and good waterings * 

 with liquid manure may now be given them. Sudden 

 changes in their treatment will cause the fruit to drop, 

 all the shoots when six or eight inches long to be stopped 

 to encourage the formation of a second crop. 



Melons. — Use strongish maiden loam by itself to grow 

 them. See to the linings, attend well to setting, and 

 maintain an airy and dry atmosphere when in blossom. 

 Xeep the shoots at all times thin. 



Peaches. — Frequent attention to be given in arrang- 

 ing the young shoots, disbudding and thinning. A know- 

 ledge of the state of the border is necessary, whether 

 retentive or porous, that no serious errors may be made 

 by withholding a sufficient supply of water, or by giving 

 too much. The temperature of the early house to be from 

 55° to 60° by night, ranging from 75° to 80° by sun heat, 

 and allowing 65° by artificial heat, on dull days. 



Pines. — A day temperature of 75° to 80° to be main- 

 tained during the progress of the fruit to maturity, ac- 

 companied by atmospheric moisture. Succession plants 

 to be supplied with a steady moist heat, and to be care- 

 fully sustained after potting, to induce a healthy action 

 of the roots. Shading is sometimes necessary during 

 bright sunshine. 



