April'] GREEN-HOUSE — GERANIUMS. 263 



very little larger will do for them. Do not give much water 

 until they begin to grow. 



MYRTLES AND OLEANDERS. 



If any of these have grown irregularly, and are not headed 

 down or otherwise pruned, as directed last month, it should 

 now be done. Oleanders are very subject to the white 

 scaly insect, and, before the heat of summer begins, they 

 should be completely cleansed. This insect is likewise 

 found on Mijrtles^ which are worse to clean, and ought to 

 be minutely examined twice every year. We have observed 

 the red spider on these shrubs, which makes the foliage 

 brown and unsightly. If it is detected in time, syringing 

 is an effectual remedy. 



GERANIUMS. 



These will now begin to flower, and the sun will greatly 

 deteriorate their rich colors where they are near the glass 

 with a southern aspect. The glass should be whitewashed 

 or covered with thin muslin, which will cast a light shade 

 over them, and prolong the duration of the bloom ] but if 

 they are above five feet from the glass, shading is not re- 

 quisite. The strong kinds will be growing very luxuriantly, 

 and require liberal supplies of water. When syringing, do 

 not sprinkle the flowers, as it would make the colors inter- 

 mingle with each other, and cause them to decay prema- 

 turely. If they have been properly attended to in that 

 respect, it may be dispensed with after they have come in 

 flower. 



Cai^e Balhs. Those that flowered late in autumn, as 

 soon as the foliage begins to deca}^, may be set aside, and 

 the water withheld by degrees. When the foliage is en- 

 tirely gone, and the roots dry, clear them from the earth, 

 and after laying exposed in the shade for a few days to dry, 

 pack them up in dry moss, with their respective names 

 attached, until August, when they mny be again potted. 

 Treat those that are in flower the same as directed in last 

 month. 



