72 
OPERATIONS FOR APRIL. 
existing. Its lodging about the young growth must also be prevented, to avoid all chances of injury 
from damp. Mischief ensuing from the ravages of insects must be anticipated and prevented. 
In the stove a high degree of temperature may be maintained, if in conjunction with it a proper 
amount of moisture is secured ; the various stages of growth of the plants is the best criterion by 
which to regulate its application. A healthy and substantial growth is now properly encouraged, 
rather than regard being had to a display of flowers. In case of individual specimens or particular 
plants flowering, and their bloom is wished to be preserved, they had better be removed to where 
such can be effected, as the atmosphere which ought to exist in a stove would quickly destroy 
it. Plants growing vigorously may be stimulated to maintain that vigour ; and then proper 
staking, disbudding, and training, according to various circumstances, must not be lost sight of, but 
regularly attended to. 
New Holland and greenhouse plants in general, now begin to be delightfully interesting ; a 
display of bloom amongst them, is more general than it is with the inmates of the stove; 
consequently its maintenance must be duly regarded. Newly potted plants, and those growing, 
will require a nice attention to a supply of water being administered to them ; frequent syringings, 
a perfect regard to cleanliness and admission of air copiously, is greatly conducive to the welfare 
of the tribe of plants under consideration. To them, as to all plants, it should ever be remembered 
that the more fresh air is admitted, the more likely they are to do well, if it is done without 
the temperature of the structures in which they grow being improperly lowered, and its entrance 
at any time in cold streams is prevented. 
In the conservatory, whether stove or greenhouse, the most particular attention to neatness 
and order should be discernible. Every care must be bestowed upon plants flowering in it, to 
preserve their bloom ; and when it is faded, if they are portable, they should be placed where 
they will be favourably situated to perfect their growth. 
Perennials, half-hardy, and other plants, must be progressively inured to the open air ; and 
finally, towards the end of the month, many may be planted in their summer quarters. In 
planting any pot-plants in the open ground, a point that should be fixedly kept in view, is to see 
that the ball of the plant to be turned out, is perfectly moist, particularly if the plants have many 
roots. 
The preparation of plants for flowering next winter should now be thought of, by propagating 
various for that purpose ; among those best adapted, Chrysanthemums claim a first consideration : 
suckers and cuttings should be taken and struck ; China Roses of particular and good kinds, scarlet 
Pelargoniums, Heliotropes, See. ; and when these have rooted, it should be borne in mind, they 
require especially treating for the purpose they are intended ; by growing them to good strong 
plants, and not permitting them to flower, till they are required to do so. 
In the out-door department, the making good and dressing the verges of walks, turning the 
latter where required, and fresh gravelling, if necessary, should be attended to. The operation 
of turning walks should always be delayed as late in the season as can be done without interfering 
with their properly setting afterwards ; and this, that the moss and minute weeds that may be 
growing on their surface shall be the more effectually destroyed by the now-increased power of the 
sun’s rays. Well rolling lawns is generally extensively practised at this season ; in addition to its 
being done now, we prefer the rolls always preceding the scythe : it not only improves the appear- 
ance of the lawn, but by aiding the operation of mowing is a saving of time. 
Presuming that, as regards general pruning, training of climbers, &c., our previous directions 
have been complied with, we have nothing to add to instructions already given. Flower-beds 
should be got in readiness for immediate planting, and the kind of plants to occupy each deter- 
mined, so that when they are planted no hindrance may be experienced. 
Those directions of last month relating to the planting out of hardy herbaceous and some half- 
hardy plants, may be henceforth repeatedly carried out. The destroying of all weeds as they 
make their appearance, will be -a saving of future labour, and, in addition to this, neatness and 
order should everywhere prevail. 
In case of late frosts, Tree Pceonies and many specious plants will need protection, not more to 
prevent their flowers being destroyed than to preserve the plants themselves from severe 
injury. 
