94 
CARTER AND CO.’S GARDENER’S VADE-MECUM FOR 1862. 
at least will depend As the earliest introduced plants are now in an advanced state, another batch should be brought in 
for succession, and amongst them tho most forward plants of the Indian Azaleas may be more liberally introduced; a 
moro useful plant for forcing than the Indian Azalea cannot be, as it not only makes a very tine display, but also remains in 
bloom a long time. Introduce more pots of Deutzia gracilis and scabra, also Weigela rosea, Dielytra spectabihs, Lilies ot 
the Valley, Roses, Pinks and Sweet Williams; if required, also Lilacs, another good batch of Dutch Bulbs, and more Rho- 
dodendrons. 
Stove. 
If these are cultivated to any extent and a good supply of bloom is generally looked for, it will be necessary to look to such 
plants as will be required for early blooming; those started early last year will now be showing signs of a renewed growth 
after their season of rest, such for example as the Gloxinias and Gesneras, which may be shaken out and re-potted ; give them 
very little water until they have made a good start, when they may have wanner places and the needful supply. A tew Aclii- 
mones may also bo started if desired, but it is quite early enough at present. A fow ot the most likely-looking bulbs ot Ama- 
ryllis may be re-potted or top-dressed as occasion requires, and plunged in a moderate bottom heat. Begonias should 
be shaken out and re-potted and brought forward slowly; a few Gardenias may be started; and if any ot the Franciscans 
are showing signs of growth, they may bo encouraged by a warmer situation ; and when growth is making progress, shake 
out a part of the old soil and re-pot them, water moderately at first, and increase the temperature with the growth. 
Orchid House. 
As most of these should still be in a dormant state, the operations connected with tliem will not differ much from the 
former routine ; a few, however, will no doubt bo showing signs of renewed activity, and this must not be checked ; let such 
plants have the warmest situations, and gradually increase the quantity of water. Use every exertion to destroy insects ; it 
kill save much trouble and vexation by-and-by. Cock-roaches are often brought in with imported plants ; they are very 
destructive and should be exterminated. 
Greenhouse. 
Omit no opportunity to keep up a free circulation of air amongst Heaths and liard-wooded plants generally ; apply 
sulphur to Heaths as soon as mildew appears, and continue as before to pay great attention to watering ; do not let them 
get dry, but yet, in severe weather, lean rather to the dry side than over-water. Gardoquia Hookeri and Crowia saligna 
should be removed into a higher temperature about this timo ; give them a shift into a larger pot when well started. Now 
is a good time to shift the varieties of Kalosauths, for if left until late in Spring, the general result is a fine growth, but no 
bloom : keep them very short of water for some timo. Pelargoniums must be kept near the glass, but avoid draughts of cold 
wind ; the stock required for forcing, and also very large specimens, will of course be in a more excited state of growth, and 
must have more water and a closer and warmer atmosphere. Plants for forcing may be top-dressed, but not sliifted any 
moro ' on the contrary, growing specimen plants should be shifted as often as they require it, until they have reached tlicir 
blooming pots Forward Cinerarias should now be put into their blooming pots, suceessional plants shifted, and more 
potted from seedlings ; the same may be said of tho Calceolarias, which are now in very active growth : attend well to 
fumigation picking off decayed foliage, and admitting air when the weather is favourable. As the Chrysanthemums go out 
of flower, let. them have tho shelter of a cold pit or other temporary protection, but harden them as much as possible, so as 
to get good cuttings. 
Forcing Fruit Houses, Pineries. 
The temperature and general management of the whole stock will be much tho same as directed last month ; let them be 
l kept as dry as is consistent with safety, and neglect no opportunity when the weather is favourable of giving them a supply 
of fresh air. 
Vineries. 
The temperature may take a range of 56° by night, with a slight increase towards tho end of the month ; but do not push 
too hard until after the sun begins to increase in strength ; change the internal air ns often as the weather will permit. 
Peach House. 
Maintain a healthy moist atmosphere in the early house, but admit air freely when possible, and do not exceed 45° at night. 
Prepare later houses for starting next month. See that frost is excluded from Figs in houses and pots, or the embryo figs 
will be very much chocked and the chance of an early crop very much reduced. Pot plants should be shifted, if necessary, 
whilst dormant. The first batch of Strawberries, Keene’s Seedling and Black Prince, may be put into the Vineries or Peach 
House a week or so before they arc started, so that they may be gradually excited. A portion may also be started in a frame 
on a mild bottom heat. 
Pits and Frames. 
The present is about the time to follow up the old practice of making up a good bed of well-fermented dung for a 
single light box, in which to rear the seedling Cucumbers for early purposes. Carter’s Champion is the best : take care that 
there is no lack of prepared fermenting materials for topping up the linings of Cucumbers in bearing, for succession in Pine 
Pits, and all the purposes for which it is required. Lay out some Early Frame Potatoes in a gentle heat to sprout, ior plant- 
ing early next month, wliich is a superior plan to planting them without sprouting, saving time and trouble. Bring forward 
suceessional beds of Asparagus, also Sea Kale and Rhubarb ; sow Radishes, \\ ood s frame, in a frame on a gentle heat. 
