48 
OPERATIONS FOE MAECH. 
Those who have the cultivation and charge of Exhibition specimens would do well to be very 
careful they are not neglected at this season. 
Potting and shifting, in most plant places, is still the business of the day, and should be 
zealously pursued ; one conspicuous feature being diligence in the operation, and another, an 
indulgent allowance of root-room for the plants. These processes completed, Orchids and other 
stove plants must have assiduous attention ; be properly trained, provided with suitable support, 
have their shoots thinned, and be well protected from the ravages of insects. Specimens growing 
in the open borders of houses, and large ones in pots, have great need of the latter directions being 
remembered in reference to them. Continue to give a thorough occasional soaking of water, and, 
at times, liquid manure to old plants, and favour such young ones also, of all kinds, as will bear 
it with the regenerator recommended. Propagation by seeds and cuttings must have full attention 
this month. There are many things that will strike root freely now, which will not do so with equal 
readiness hereafter. Some of the more choice annuals usually raised to flower in pots must be 
sown soon, as well for that purpose as for filling up borders and beds. A general sowing of tender 
annuals may be effected as soon as possible, where accommodation will admit of their being potted 
off in time, and afterwards properly treated. Hardy annuals, too, if they are wished to flower 
at the usual season, should also be sown, either in their final places or in some sheltered position, 
to be hereafter planted out. Let justice be done to seeds of valuable plants : not only should it 
extend to their sowing, but to after tendance. Increase of flower-garden plants by cuttings, and 
hardening those established off, should be pursued, where the former is necessary, and the latter 
hitherto neglected. Dahlia tubers may be put where they will begfn to move, the early part of 
this month. For general cultivation, the period is quite soon enough. Nothing is gained by 
having plants of this showy and popular flower a large size at planting time. 
The period is now close at hand when forced flowers will be superseded by a crowd of plants 
whose blooming season is approaching. Still favourably regard the remnants of the forcing-house 
notwithstanding, not only on account of their blossoms, but likewise because the plants will do to 
aid in cheering another year with their floral beauties. Numerous choice Orchids bloom at this 
time of year : do not neglect them, but have a keen look-out that no injury happens to the 
inflorescence in any stage of its development. 
In the out-door department, it will be wisdom to endeavour to complete whatever work may be 
standing over from any cause ; but the work of the season must not be neglected to enable that to be 
done. The winter we are just leaving behind may have committed some ravages among rather 
tender things, young hardy shrubs, &c. Let an examination be made, and steps taken according 
to its result. Whatever planting remains to be done should be attended to with all despatch ; 
that planting, we mean, which has been occasioned by an extension of premises or alterations, and 
which may consist in the removal of hardy shrubs, trees, &c. Putting out also whatever will bear 
the open air should have due attention, as much to make room where space is often valuable at this 
season, as jfor the welfare of those things that are thus disposed of permanently. Prune Roses 
and other flowering things at intervals of a fortnight or so for the next two months, to insure a 
succession of flowers. Masses of evergreens, hedges, &c, may be pruned to any extent in the 
course of this month ; and perhaps they are best pruned at this season, as they soon recover 
by a young growth the favourable appearance pruning may have destroyed. Preparing flower- 
ground, gravelling walks, edging, and otherwise getting them in good order, laying Box and other 
edgings, is business that must have its proper amount of attention. 
