328 
THE FLORIST. 
too high,—a temperature of 40° to 45° will be sufficient. If too 
much fire is used, the first crop of flower is generally lost. The 
latter end of this month, or beginning of next, is the time for 
stopping the plants that are intended to flower in June. Let 
them be moderately dry, and keep them so till the wound is 
healed over, which will be in about a week or ten days. If there 
is the convenience of a second house, where they can be kept 
a little warm for a week or two, it will greatly assist them in 
breaking. Seedlings will require attention this month. Keep 
all decayed leaves picked off, and the surface of the soil just 
stirred up. John Dobson. 
Worton Cottage, Isleworth. 
Pinks. ^—If the weather during this month continues open and 
moist, worms will continue troublesome. Much mischief may 
be prevented by placing a few small twigs round each of the 
weakly and tall-growing varieties, to support them ; it will also 
protect them from being broken by high winds. 
J. T. Neville. 
Polyanthuses (see Auriculas).—The same attention is necessary; 
but they will bear considerably more moisture with good effect. 
J. T. Neville. 
Ranunculuses. —The surface of the beds should be pointed over, 
and left rough, so that the frost may act upon it. The boxes 
containing autumn-sown seedlings should be placed near the 
glass, in a brick pit. They must be protected from severe frosts, 
but allowed air on mild or fine days. Carey Tyso. 
Wallingford. 
Roses in Pots.— Cut these at once for blooming in May. Last 
year I pruned mine on November the 22d. If for exhibition, 
select from the best Hybrid Perpetuals, Bourbons, and Tea- 
scented varieties; the whole of these are suitable for the partial 
forcing they will require. Shorten the Hybrid Perpetuals to two 
or three eyes. Bourbons a little longer; and train the wood of 
the Tea-scented varieties, just shortening the points. Do not use 
the knife at all to the Persian Yellow, however long the shoots 
may be. John Dobson. 
Worton Cottage, Isleworth. 
Tulips. —This month is one of complete rest to the tulip grower, 
at least it is so with us; for we never protect in the least from 
frost until next month, at which time (in mild seasons especially), 
they will be near the surface of the bed, and some may perhaps 
make their appearance; then be vigilant in securing against frost. 
The method we adopt for this purpose we will endeavour to give 
in the Number for January. J. Hunt. 
Wycombe. 
