72 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
It is now fully time to hasten the completion of all ground- work still in progress. Th< 
accumulating weight of unavoidable operations in maintaining and providing for the attractivenesi 
of the grounds and houses, will require the full attention of the culturist to superintend and haw, 
executed at the appropriate time. And, besides, the confusion which is created by leaving thest' 
unfinished till a late period, they are commonly an eyesore in the scene throughout the season 
Whatever turf remains to be laid down should be done at once, that it may acquire a verdurous, 
face before the heats of summer. Walks should now be turned, and additional gravel suppliec 
wherever it may be wanted, in order to impart a fresh appearance, and get rid of the moss anc 
weeds that usually abound on the surface. This is a work often passed over as unnecessary, anc 
in some degree it may be so where the gravel is of an extremely firm-binding nature ; but ii 
other cases it will eventually prove a great saving of labour, owing to the comparatively little 
trouble that will be required to destroy the weeds during summer. It will be necessary to have 
them well and frequently rolled for some time after, with a rather heavy roller ; and this will be^ 
most effectively performed in showery weather. Similar opportunities should also be seized upoi 
for rolling the lawns ; it will add much to their good appearance, and the benefit will be full; 
appreciated when it becomes necessary to use the scythe. In fine weather, any preparationi 
needed in the flower-beds, for the reception of plants next month, may be proceeded with. 
Amongst stove and greenhouse plants this month will be a season of great activity, and if the 
needful conditions are furnished, of vigorous development. Now is the time to supply ai 
increased bottom heat ; and for those who are yet sceptical, to test the utility of the principle! 
It must, however, be remembered that, a proportionate increase is at the same time necessar; 
both in the heat and humidity of the atmosphere ; and the degree of warmth supplied to the 
roots should also be nearly the same as that maintained in the air, for a wide variation on either 
hand would be alike disastrous. A copious quantity of moisture will be required in the atmol 
sphere to induce a healthy growth, and frequent syringing may now be indulged in. This wil 
not only be a great means of keeping down insects, and preserving the leaves free from dust anc 
dirt, and capable of performing these functions perfectly, but will also supply them with no in 
considerable amount of nourishment. The occasional fierceness of the sun, moreover, should b( 
softened by interposing a thin screen. But little air is necessary to the stove at this season 
except occasionally for the purpose of lowering the temperature. By more strictly following 
these directions than is frequently done, there will be a good prospect of obtaining mature wood 
and a consequent copious inflorescence ; and when in conjunction with other particulars latel; 
furnished, we hope to see a more profuse bloom on many of the yet almost sterile species ol* 
climbers. 
The same observations will apply to the orchidaceous houses, without other modification thar 
a somewhat more plentiful moisture. A few specimens of Achimenes, JEschynanthes, Epiphyl 
lum truncatum, &c., planted in baskets amongst moderately loose materials, may be suspendec 
here. Be careful that no water finds its way through the roof to drip upon the tender younj 
growths. I 
The greenhouse should be kept closer than those structures usually are, and especially when ij 
cold wind prevails. Nothing is more injurious now, whilst the shoots are young and soft, than { 
rush of cold air. Give the plants room to grow without their shoots becoming entangled with on<[ 
another, and keep the pots clear of the weeds, which will now be making their appearance plenti. 
fully in the new soil. Be very particular not to use water at a lower temperature than that o 
the house ; and, if possible, let it be exposed to the sun, to further oxygenation. 
Should the weather prove favourable, a portion of the early part of the month should be era 
ployed in committing to the ground seeds of hardy shrubs, perennials, and annuals, and in pre 
paring slight hot-beds for those that require a little warmth. Seeds of greenhouse and stove plant! 
should also be sown in pots without delay, and furnished with a gentle bottom heat. 
Chrysanthemum suckers should be potted off, and protected from frosty winds and cold rain 
in a turf pit with canvas covering. Dahlias should be encouraged. Cuttings of the Hydrangei 
may be planted in peat and small charcoal — many will thus produce blue flowers. Rose-treeij 
which have been allowed to grow a few inches may be pruned to below where the buds hav< 
pushed, to flower late. All climbers not already attended to, should be pruned and regulated 
Where a showy flower-garden in spring is prized, Mr. Edmonds’ method of employing Pansies 
(described last year) may now be adopted. 
