March.] carnations and pinks. 47 
Colour should be diversified through the garden as much as 
practicable, and the highest -growing sorts planted farthest 
from the walk, so as all may appear in view. At all times, 
avoid crowding plants together. 
BULBOUS ROOTS^ 
About the middle of this month, let the covering of tan, 
sawdust, or decayed leaves be cleared from the beds of such 
as were directed to be covered in November; afterwards 
carefully stirring the surface among them with a kind of 
wooden spatula, or wedge, breaking the surface fine ; then 
dress all the alleys smooth and neat with the hoe and rake, 
clearing away every particle of litter. When the leaves of 
Tulips are expanding, they frequently become entangled so 
much that the force of growth breaks the foliage ; if there 
are any appearances of this at any time, they should be set 
right with the hand. In early seasons, these roots will be far 
advanced, and perhaps one night of frost, unexpectedly, 
might materially injure them. When there is any suspi- 
cion of cold weather, hoops should be spanned across the 
beds, so that the necessary mats or canvass could in a few 
minutes be placed over them, to ward off danger. Protect 
the finest sorts from heavy drenching rains, and give them 
small neat rods for support as they grow up. If the rods 
and tyings are painted green, the effect will be improved. 
These directions equally apply to Narcissus, Jonquils, Iris, 
and all Holland Bulbs. 
CARNATIONS, PINKS, PRIMROSES, ETC., 
Which have been protected by frames through the winter, 
must have, at all favourable opportunities, plenty of air ad- 
mitted to them by lifting the sashes, and in fine mild clays 
and nights, the sashes may be taken entirely off. Divest 
them of all decayed leaves, and stir up the earth on the sur- 
face of the pots ; those that are intended to be planted in 
the garden may be set to one side, while those that are to be 
kept in pots must be more strictly attended to. Of these 
the Pinks and Carnations should be repotted about the first 
