72 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
therefore necessary to examine the plants frequently and attentively. The ravages 
of thrips are less easily arrested than the red spider s ; the best means which we have 
found to keep them down, is powerfully to syringe the plants infested, with water, 
or water containing a solution of soft soap, or to apply a powerful fumigation of 
tobacco. These means, judiciously persevered in, will invariably succeed. Of the 
scale there are several descriptions, but the white and brown are most prevalent 
in our stoves ; these may be kept under by removing them from the part affected 
with a brush or the finger, and afterwards sponging the plants over with soap or 
pure water ; if this is once carefully done, and the plant afterwards vigorously and 
repeatedly syringed, they will not do much harm. The mealy bug may be easily 
kept under by forcibly syringing whenever it appears, using soft soap water with 
a few drops of the spirits of camphor in it. The green fly, as is well known, may 
be effectually destroyed by fumigating with tobacco. 
The plants at this season must be well w^atered, and cuttings made, and pro- 
pagated in sand under a glass, of any kind that it is desirable to multiply. 
In the greenhouse an increase of air should be admitted, and the plants care- 
fully though sufficiently watered, those of the genus Erica in particular. RJiodo- 
dendrons and Azaleas^ if well watered, will retain their flowers much longer than 
they would if stinted in this respect. Camellias continue to syringe, and to pro- 
mote their growth place them in a little humid heat. Geraniums it will be well 
now to propagate for late summer and autumn flowering. Propagate when it is 
desirable to do so, and guard against damp from over-watering, &c. Sow seeds, 
and attend to the potting off of young plants ; use light open soil, and avoid ex- 
posing them to the sun. Offsets of Campanula pyramidalis should be planted in 
rich loam and peat, and placed under a glass in a little heat ; when they have made 
roots, plant them in a shady situation in the flower border, where they will attain 
a large size, wdien they should be potted into large pots for flowering. 
In the flower garden sow seeds of tender and half-hardy plants, divide the 
roots of Hepaticas and Violets^ and take offsets from Auriculas and Polyanthuses. 
Tulips will now be coming forward, and should therefore be protected from cutting 
winds, heavy rains, and hot sun, by placing an awning of canvass over the bed. 
To promote the growth of newly-propagated Dahlias give them an increase of pot- 
room and heat, observing to admit a little air when the weather will admit of so 
doing, or the plants will draw too much. We would particularly urge the propa- 
gation of Roses, especially the China Rose, as so many have been lost during the 
late severe frost. Cuttings will strike prepared in the common way, and placed 
in a shaded border, under a hand-glass, or, if available, under a frame or hand- 
glass where there is a moderate heat. Pot, sow, and propagate on all hands such 
plants as it is desirable to have good specimens or to possess a large stock of. 
Propagate Ribes sanguinea^ Honeysuckles^ &c., they succeed well if merely stuck in 
a shaded border, in the manner practised for multiplying gooseberries and currants ; 
the common Laurel^ Portugal Laurel^ Laurustine, &c., should be abundantly 
propagated by every practicable means. 
