120 
OPERATIONS FOR JUNE. 
A little present bloom should ever be sacrificed, when likely to be repaid with interest at a 
later season. Therefore, whenever a precocious attempt to flower is exhibited, the inflorescence 
should be removed at once. Growth must be the first object ; and until the shoots have extended 
over the whole border, and become one mass, no blossom should be permitted to expand. Too 
much eagerness and impatience for flowers is frequently manifested, and almost as frequently 
defeats its purpose. 
Anemones, Hyacinths, Scillas, and other plants which have ceased to flower, should be 
removed from the parterre ; and annuals in a forward state, provided for the purpose, may be 
planted out to supply their place. More annuals may be sown, and preserved in pots to occupy 
the place of other things, as their flowering season successively passes away. 
A portion of the blossom-buds of Rhododendrons and Azaleas^ and other hard-wooded plants, 
maybe abstracted where they are excessively abundant, and a fine bloom is desired. It will not only 
be a means of securing larger blossoms, but the plants will also be less weakened and exhausted, 
and more able to produce a vigorous bloom another season. As soon as the flowers have faded and 
fallen away, the swelling capsules should be removed, in order that the whole forces of the plant 
may be concentrated in the production of new shoots. Much of the yellow sickly appearance of 
these plants may be attributed to permitting them to expand too many blossoms, and afterwards 
to perfect a quantity of seed that, after all, is not wanted. 
In the stove, fires may be discontinued, except in wet and damp weather, or in cold evenings. 
It is a great mistake to imagine that a high temperature is beneficial to plants during the night. 
On the contrary, it is extremely injurious, causing the shoots to be elongated without being 
strengthened in proportion ; there is, consequently, a double economy in allowing the temperature 
to fall some degrees below that maintained in the day-time. Achimenes, Gesneras, and Gloxinias 
must be encouraged by continuing them in a slight bottom-heat in a close pit, shaded from bright 
sunshine, till the flowers begin to develop. Cacti, on the contrary, should have a very exposed 
situation, so that nothing may intervene between them and the immediate rays of the sun. for they 
require all the light that it is possible to command. The more common species, such as Cereus 
Jenkinsonii, and speciosissimus, Epiphyllum splendidum and speciosum, may be removed to the 
open air and placed on dry ground in an airy situation, and covered with prepared calico or 
canvass during heavy rain ; or if convenient, a few may be sheltered in a vacant pit, admitting 
all the air possible during the day. 
Greenhouses and Conservatories require little beyond the usual routine of watering, giving 
air, pinching back, and tying up the new growths. The inroads of insects must be stopped in the 
commencement, for if they are once allowed to acquire an ascendancy they will be difficult to 
exterminate. 
Chrysanthemums must never be stinted in their growth for want of sufficient pot-room. They 
will also require to be liberally supplied with water. And, indeed, a sufficiency of water is of the 
utmost consequence to other plants as well as Chrysanthemums, and especially if the weather 
prove excessively dry and warm, as is frequently the case in this and the two succeeding months. 
