48 OPERATIONS FOR MARCH. 
a size larger, and afterwards repot them in a similar manner when their roots 
become too compressed. 
Succulents, especially the slow-growing globular species, rarely require shifting 
oftener than once in two or three years, although their roots may be examined 
annually, and the soil changed if needful. The species of Epiphyllum, and the more 
vigorous growing sorts, are not included in this direction ; for they will commonly be 
found to demand a new pot every year. That clean pots, a perfect drainage, and 
open friable earth, should be secured for every potted exotic, are trite instructions, 
and may be supposed familiar to all. 
In some collections, the Pelargoniums intended for large specimens in the 
summer, are, at this period, subjected to artificial heat, and other stimulation. The 
extra trouble and expense thus caused, are by no means compensated by the results 
arrived at ; for cumbersome plants and pale-coloured flowers can never be so beau- 
tiful as smaller and more natural specimens, with a greater quantity of richer 
blossoms. 
This, and the following month, when the young branches of plants are about 
half-formed, present the best opportunities for propagation ; which may be carried 
on in the stove, greenhouse, or frame. 
Cultivators who do not possess facilities for storing, during winter, the young- 
stock destined for the flower-garden, now multiply with the greatest possible 
rapidity all half-hardy plants. Where it can be avoided, however, the operation 
should not be thus deferred. Plants raised so speedily, and by the aid of an arti- 
ficial temperature, are never so strong, nor can they flower so abundantly, as those 
obtained in the autumn. 
Sweetwilliams, Wall-flowers, Hollyhocks, and other biennials and perennials, 
are taken from the reserve-garden as the month of March declines, and planted in 
the borders where they may be wanted. Annuals also, that have been prepared 
for early flowering, are transplanted to the beds of the flower-garden in fine 
weather ; and both the hardy and half-hardy sorts are sown in beds or pots, or in 
the borders where they are wished to flower. This, too, is the season for sowing 
seeds of every description that were not committed to the ground in autumn. 
March is the proper time for pruning dwarf and standard roses, particularly 
those that are in the slightest degree tender. If pruned sooner, the frost frequently 
injures or kills the spurs that are left, and materially afi"ects the summer s bloom. 
Especial foresight must be exercised in performing this duty, however, before growth 
commences; since, as the uppermost buds are always first developed, and the 
lower ones thereby weakened, the principal energies of the plant will have been 
expended on the part that is to be removed, and extreme debility will unavoidably 
ensue. 
