82 
THE FLORIST. 
blowing, without frost, draw on the lights about the same time, 
but defer the covering till dusk, and allow the plants the benefit 
of the light. On the contrary, should the atmosphere be open 
and moist, leave the glasses off till dusk, that seedlings may have 
the benefit of the air while the weather is suitable for their growth. 
In the morning uncover early, if the weather will permit; but if 
frosty, defer it till the rime is gone. J. T. Neville. 
Calceolarias. — See Mr. Holmes’ paper, p. 54. 
Carnations and Picotees will now be moving ; keep your compost 
dry, so as to commence potting for bloom at once, if the weather 
is at all favourable. This business is often delayed too long; 
and when a large number have to be potted, a part are shifted 
too late, unless attended to at once. Should snow or severe 
weather come on after a part of them are shifted, use the remain¬ 
ing empty pots to cover them with, if short of hand-lights or 
glasses. Those in small pots will require watering often, and 
to have all the air possible to harden them, as the lights must 
soon be dispensed with. It must be very bad weather to shut 
them up after March has come in. Let all the pots be well 
washed before using, employ plenty of drainage, and pot firmly. 
Chalvey, C. Turner. 
Dahlias, if not already started, should be placed in heat forthwith; 
put a little mould about the tubers, but not over the crown. 
When the shoots are between 3 and 4 inches long, they will 
readily strike in a moderate hot-bed. If only a few strong plants 
are required, dividing the roots will be sufficient. 
Chalvey. • C. Turner, 
Fuchsias, to make fine specimens, should be frequently shifted and 
stopped back. J. Dobson. 
Pelargoniums. —All plants that are intended to bloom in July will 
require to be stopped back the first or second week in this 
month ; they should have been potted about the middle of last 
month, that they might have got nicely established, and ready 
to break well after stopping. Keep the house rather close for a 
few days, this will help them to push out their eyes. The plants 
that were stopped back the beginning of January for blooming 
in June, will require plenty of air at all opportunities. Those 
intended to bloom in May that have not been stopped since 
cutting down, will be putting up their trusses. On sunny days, 
draw the syringe over them about once a week, and shut the 
house up w^arm, with the sun upon it, about three or four o’clock 
in the afternoon. 
Pinks. —The month of March is generally a sickly time with Pinks ; 
the easterly winds affect them more at this than any other season. 
By top-dressing the beds early in the month you will afford them 
considerable support and protection. Before laying on the dress- 
