112 
FLORICULTURAL HINTS. 
broad strip of netting should be kept constantly round the bed, 
especially in suburban districts ; for fancy what would result 
from the very probable occurrence of a couple of cats pursuing 
their amours among the rising stems. As the blooms open, a 
constant “look-out for squalls” must be kept; for the fortnight 
that they are in perfection it is advisable to close the canvas per¬ 
manently on the windward side, and roll up or down the other 
parts as may be required, to keep off sun, wind, and rain. When 
cutting blooms for showing, select if possible, such as are pro¬ 
perly blown, but have not yet begun to shed the pollen; in 
travelling, the latter shakes out and causes much trouble to re¬ 
move ere the flowers can be staged. While the bed is in its best 
state, go carefully over, and mark any alteration that may seem 
desirable, noting the correctness and quality of each flower, and 
if additions are necessary, do the same by the outside beds, that 
only roots of a fine strain may be admitted in next year’s plant¬ 
ing. Visit your neighbours, and endeavour to promote the 
friendly interest that should prevail among the admirers of the 
flower. 
Pinks . The rising stems must be frequently examined, and 
the old trees regulated, making fresh ones as may be requisite; 
disbudding must be completed, and the pods of the earliest 
flowers secured from splitting; a top-dressing of sheep’s manure, 
or the frequent application of manure-water, will greatly assist 
the swelling buds; wipe off green flies with a soft brush, or if in 
pots, cover them up, and fumigate with tobacco. 
Carnations and Picotees with me are nearly as forward as the 
pinks, the stems have been twice, and, in some instances, thrice, 
tied, and I am busy disbudding; should they go on uninter¬ 
ruptedly, the shows will be all behind this season. Green flies 
and the frog-hopper or split-fly are very troublesome, for which 
I find no better remedy than an old shaving-brush. Top-dressing 
and liquid manure may now be indulged in. 
Dahlias should be got out as quickly as possible, sheltering the 
recently-moved plants in sunshine, and at night by whelming a 
pot over them till the plants get too high to be so covered. 
Place the principal stick to each plant before the roots have 
spread far, lest they receive injury when at a later date it is thrust 
into the ground. The best place for the reception of these plants 
