OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
23 
In addition to the foregoing intelligence respecting Victoria regia , the Botanical Magazine 
contains detailed particulars concerning it, translated from the “ Annales des Sciences Naturelles ,” 
in which work they were published by M. D’Orbigny, and from Mr. Bridges communicated to 
Sir Wm. Hooker. Mr. B. also supplied the specimens which enabled the latter gentleman to have 
the Victoria so finely portrayed, and clearly show it is entitled to bear the name it does, and 
which it received from Dr. Lindley. 
Mr. Bridges states : — “ The Victoria grows in 4 — 6 feet water, producing leaves and flowers 
which rapidly decay and give place to others. From each plant there are seldom more than four 
or five leaves on the surface, but even these, in parts of the lake where the plants were numerous, 
almost covered the surface of the water, one leaf touching the other. I observed a beautiful 
aquatic bird {Parra, sp. ?) walk with much ease from leaf to leaf, and many of the Muscicapidce 
find food and a resting place on them.” Native of many parts of South America. Synonymes 
Victoria Regina , V. Cruziana, Nymphcea Victoria , Euryale Amazonica. — Bot. Mag., 4275-4278. 
OPERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY. 
Generally considered, what is now of importance is to see that the various collections and stores 
of plants for the flower ground are in such a state as to numbers and keeping, as will be after- 
wards required. If they are not, the process of manufacturing them, as it may be termed, should 
be commenced instantly. The less there is, however, of this business, now to do, the better for 
many reasons, the most practical of which is, that, with some slight reservations in favour of par- 
ticular plants, those propagated in spring are not so well adapted for our purpose as if they had 
been raised and had got well established in autumn. All cuttings of the above class of plants 
placed to root, should be so favoured that they can strike as quickly as possible, and afterwards 
they should be encouraged to become strong and well rooted. 
It is very desirable to prevent, as far as it can be done, all the various plants intended for the 
open ground, from wasting their energies in useless growth, before they reach their destination. 
Subjecting them to the lowest temperature consistent with their welfare, and giving as little water 
as possible, is doing a great deal towards effecting the object in question. Preparation to advance 
the above object should be made, by henceforth disposing of all plants occupying cold frames 
and pits, that will bear permanently placing, or be sufficiently protected by less complete shelter, 
thereby leaving those structures open to receive more tender things that may be too much favoured 
elsewhere. 
Scarlet Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, Salvia patens, and such things, lifted from the flower-garden 
in autumn and arranged away in the rough manner — in almost every place— will soon begin to 
grow ; a few or many of them, according to the demand, ought to be potted, or otherwise 
treated, that the formation of new roots and tops may be progressing. Some of the many strong 
shoots that often proceed in abundance are excellent to make plants for the parterre. 
Do not allow the sowing of seeds of tender and hardy annual, biennial, and perennial plants, to 
be neglected this month. 
In plant-houses continue the operation of giving increased root-room to their occupants. 
Commence surface-dressing, with new soil, manure, or leaf-mould, &c., as they stand in need. 
Prune, adjust, and permanently secure any climbers that require it. In all potting, let liber- 
ality distinguish your proceedings ; use the freshest and best soil obtainable, not minding about 
its being very rich. Richness is easily given to soil in a liquid shape, and in that condition 
can also be made an ingredient at any time when plants most require its application. Clean 
pots should always be employed ; they contribute in no small degree to the plants’ welfare, and 
are necessary for the creditable appearance. Train and support new growth of plants, disbud 
them, and, above all, keep them free from insects. Syringing, giving air every suitable opportunity, 
watering and attention to providing a proper temperature for growing plants, must also be duly 
regarded. 
Forced flowers are more beautiful, and as numerous now as they will at all appear. Every care 
