96 
OPERATIONS FOR MAY. 
naturally descending upon it, or artificially applied, accounts for such being the case. In addition 
to well soaking every plant before depositing in the ground, it is an excellent plan to saturate the 
whole after they are placed there, and previous to the surface soil being finally arranged, which 
when disposed of, should be made to cover the part watered. Such a method is more effectual, 
than watering an unlimited number of times in the ordinary way. 
The aptness of plants to become dry at this period of the year, and the same injurious conse- 
quences ensuing, is equally likely to be exhibited under every variety of circumstance ; more 
especially small newly-shifted ones ; these latter, in common with those of larger dimensions, having 
recently undergone a similar operation. Large specimens of Oranges , Rhododendrons, Altingias, &c., 
growing in tubs, or the borders of the conservatory, climbers planted in the last, or other erections, 
and even numerous specimens of more valuable things, growing in the open air, in sheltered 
situations, will be immensely benefited by being occasionally completely drenched with water. 
In short, during the present and ensuing month, too much attention cannot be bestowed upon 
those plants we have instanced, in seeing they do not suffer from lack of moisture. An occasional 
watering with liquid manure, administering it according to the nature of the plant, will give a very 
serviceable stimulus, at a season when a vigorous growth is much to be desired. The cautious 
culturist will easily distinguish in the case of those plants we have directed attention to, which 
requires water to the extent we have stated, and which it would be injurious to administer it to ; 
the proper examination is the surest preventive of injury from this source. 
Beyond the work in the floral department of the open air we have already noticed, nothing but 
the most ordinary operations require attention* We scarcely need allude to such as the proper 
training of climbers, as their growth requires it ; much may be done by early attending to 
them, thinning out their shoots, and laying them in, so as to have a mass of flower over the whole 
plant, thereby hiding in a very agreeable manner the old and bare stems, &c. Many plants in the 
open borders will require staking, training agreeably to their habits, removing some of their 
flower stems, &c., so as to secure to those remaining the energy of the whole plant, to produce a 
fine bloom. 
The attention required by cultivated plants in general, consists in such a course of treatment 
being applied to them as secures the healthy acting of the conditions they are subjected to ; to 
notice in detail the more prominent points requiring to be particularly regarded, such as the 
admission of air to the structures in which they are growing, the regulation of temperature 
according to the degree required by the plants, and especially the application of water in a proper 
manner, &c. 
Any plants necessarily delayed being potted, through being in flower, &c., with those specimens 
requiring resliifting, must be treated with that care the advanced period of the season renders 
necessary. Greenhouse plants as they go out of flower will bear severely cutting back, pruning 
them to any required shape : a continuation of disbudding those growing, arranging the branches, 
and training the young wood, while it is easily acted upon, is necessary. The proper regulation of 
climbers should be unremittingly pursued. 
The directions in our last Calendar respecting Orchideous plants, must still be applied, and, in 
addition, much vigilance in shading is required. Some cultivators do not approve of shading 
being practised to any extent in the treatment of this wayward family of plants. Experience has 
long since convinced us of its beneficial effects, not only when applied to Orchidece, but to all 
cultivated in glass erections. It is directly serviceable in screening from injury the young growth 
of New Holland and greenhouse plants ; also the inmates of the stove ; and not the young growth 
of plants only, but also the leaves of many. Camellias are in an extreme degree susceptible of 
injury from the full glare of the sun upon their foliage. A further way in which it is highly 
useful is, by its enabling the inflorescence of plants to continue, after it is expanded, a much 
longer time than when fully exposed to light ; independently of the very gratifying manner in 
which it allows all flowers and plants to be viewed, compared to what they can be without 
its aid. 
The numerous tender annuals, for flowering in pots, or intended for a late display in the flower 
garden, can now be admirably brought forward, and accommodated in the pits lately occupied by 
half-hardy, and tender perennial plants, &c. 
