262 
FLORICULTURAL HINTS. 
air is admitted daily, and even at night, do not allow the plants 
to be wetted with rain. 
Auriculas require a good deal of attention just now. Their 
winter quarters being selected where they will receive whatever 
sunshine may chance to be felt, it often happens that the surface 
of the soil becomes dry, while the bottom remains quite damp 
enough. This will sometimes lead a beginner into the error of 
over-watering, to avoid which he should raise the surface with a 
peg, in order to judge the more accurately of the state of the 
under portion. Too much care cannot be given to keep the 
foliage clear of extraneous accumulations ; every atom of decay¬ 
ing matter must be constantly removed; and, if the leaves are 
occasionally cleaned with a sponge, they will retain a greater 
vigour. The bloom-stems which may chance to rise now, may 
as well be left, or at any rate should only have their flowers 
nipped off; for, if broken away close to the plant while yet fresh, 
often carry a rottenness into the heart. 
Worms are exceedingly troublesome this season among the 
pinks; in consequence of the great quantity of rain that has 
fallen, the ground is soft, and these plagues make nothing of 
dragging a pair of plants into their holes in a night. The best 
remedy is soot or quicklime, but it must be frequently renewed, 
as, in so damp an atmosphere, their virtue is soon spent. Either 
of these articles, however, act beneath the surface, and afford the 
plants a double benefit,—first, by being washed into the earth, 
they expel all kinds of grubs, and form an excellent stimulative 
manure. I generally mix them together, which forms a com¬ 
position of an inconspicuous colour. 
Turban ranunculuses and some anemones may be planted for 
early blooming, and the varieties of bulbous-rooted iris should 
be got into the ground without delay. I am much pleased to ob¬ 
serve the rapidly increasing taste for English irises, than which 
few flowers are more suited for the exhibition tables; and, with 
attention, no doubt great improvements will be effected in them, 
as in other things taken in hand by the florist. 
Get the pot roses into the pits or frames intended to receive 
them for the winter, and keep them as dry as practicable. The 
same may be said of panseys, which, if not already stationed, 
should be attended to directly. Florista. 
