MARCH. 
95 
sionally to keep down insects, but do it very gently, as they are easily 
broken down unless they are supported in some way—if on shelves a 
string or two the length will support them; if on stages or platforms, 
two or three bits of branches off the ends of Beech stuck round the pots 
will support them. Sow Mustard and Cress to meet the demand. 
Fruit {Hardy) —The almost general failure of the fruit crop last 
season will cause many people to use every endeavour to secure a crop 
this season. Such visitations are not altogether unproductive of good; 
they awaken man from his lethargy, and cause him to exercise those 
thinking faculties with which an All-wise Providence has blessed him. 
We recommend those who wish to secure good crops of wall-fruit to 
lose no time in protecting their trees. We do not advise a careless or 
indiscriminate mode of protection. Whatever material or means may 
be employed they should be removable at pleasure, and should not be 
kept on during the day-time unless in snow storms, or cutting winds 
and severe frosty weather. If the weather be mild when the trees are 
coming into blossom, we strongly advise the thinning of the blooms. 
Greenhouse (Hard-wooded Plan/s), —Proceed with the potting of 
these at every opportunity. This is a good time for a re-arrangement 
in the house, but do not on any account crowd them. After they are 
potted they should stand for a few days before they are watered, which 
should then be done thoroughly ; they should have rather less air for a 
few days, and should be syringed two or three times a week if the 
weather be fine. Guard against cold currents of easterly winds, and 
avoid having fire-heat if possible. The night temperature should not 
exceed 45^ in fine weather, nor more than 40*^ during cold frosty 
nights. Give a little air in good time in the morning, and shut up 
early in the afternoons. Specimen plants will require constant atten¬ 
tion. Plants intended to be grown for specimens should have the 
flowers picked off, and will require stopping, tying-out, &c. Soft- 
wooded Plants. —These will require a nice genial atmosphere. Shift 
before the roots get matted. Plants intended to be grown as large 
specimens will require liberal shifts and constant attention in stopping 
and tying-out. Look out for green-fly and fumigate with tobacco as 
soon as you observe any. 
Kitchen Garden. —This is an important time for the kitchen 
gardener, and every moment of it should be turned to good account. If 
the draining, trenching, and ridging of the ground has been properly 
attended to in the autumn, it will now be in a beautiful mellow state, 
most favourable for the reception of seeds. When the ground is at all 
wet no seed-sowing should be attempted; but when dry not a moment 
should be lost in getting them in. Get in the principal crop of Onions 
the first week if the ground be in a dry state, also the principal crop of 
Parsnips. All vegetable crops should if possible be sown in drills, as 
they are generally finer when grown in this way, when properly 
thinned and hoed. Sow Asparagus on well prepared land. Sow Early 
Horn Carrots on a warm border, also early Dutch Turnips. Sow Broad 
Beans and Peas of sorts twice during the month. Sow a good breadth 
of Parsley ; sow Spinach, Radishes, and Leeks. Sow Cauliflowers and 
Lettuce of sorts. Sow some Beet towards the end of the month, but 
