MAY. 
157 
CALENDAR OP OPERATIONS. 
Auriculas. —As soon as these have done flowering give them a good 
fumigating before placing them out of doors, to rest, as it were, after 
their bloom. Moderate rain will not injure them, but avoid wet in 
excess by placing pit lights over the plants during heavy rains. 
Azaleas. —These will now be in all their beauty, and truly are they 
worth whatever labour is bestowed on them. Shift any that require a 
larger pot, and pick off the seed vessels- as they go out of bloom. Any 
that are wanted to flower early next season should be encouraged to 
grow by keeping them in a rather warm moist atmosphere, and 
syringing frequently. Keep a sharp look-out for thrips, and fumigate 
immediately you discover any. Young growing plants should have 
plenty of air. 
Camellias. —When these are nearly done growing raise the tempera¬ 
ture, to assist the formation of flower-buds. 
Carnations and Picotees. —Cut away any dead foliage as it may 
appear, and permanently stake the plants towards the end of the month. 
If water is required, choose a mild day for administering it. 
Cinerarias. —As these go out of bloom place the plants upon a cool 
shady border to produce cuttings, which should be taken off and struck 
in the ordinary way. Seed should now be sown, and a careful selection 
be made of the seedlings that have bloomed, for trial another season : 
the criterion should be—flowers of good habit, with wide petals and 
striking colours. Too many select seedlings that are quite worthless, 
merely because they are almost as good as some second-rate named 
varieties they may possess, forgetting that it is indispensable they 
should be equal to the best already out, and also to be of a new colour, 
or an improvement on existing colours. 
Gold Frames. —Whenever there is no danger to be apprehended 
from frost, the lights should be left off these at night as well as day, 
where they contain established plants. Spring-struck cuttings and 
seedlings should not be exposed too soon. As soon as any of the frames 
are at liberty they should be immediately got ready either for the 
growth of tender annuals, plants, &c., or for Cucumbers and Melons. 
Conservatory and Shoii)-house. —There is no lack of plants in flower 
at this season to keep up the display here. Forced Roses, when well 
done, are a great acquisition. Keep down insects of all kinds; they 
are in general troublesome at this season. Persevere in keeping every 
plant, pot, and place most scrupulously clean. Attend to the regulating 
and tying of climbers. Remove the grenhouse plants as soon as they 
begin to go out of flower. Camellias, Acacias, Brugmansias, and other 
plants in beds, should now be well watered; a little weak liquid manure 
occasionally will do them good. Attend well to the watering of every 
plant; do not overdo it—at the same time let nothing suffer for want 
of it. Give plenty of air ; a little may be left on at night towards the 
end of the month, if the weather be mild. 
Cucumbers. —See directions in previous Calendars. 
Dahlias. —Take advantage of all fine weather, when the soil is in 
