94 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ April, 
In-Dooes. —The Conservatory is liable to become overcrowded, what with 
the great variety of hard-wooded plants that are now in bloom, and the 
choicer flowering bulbs. This should always be guarded against, as it not only 
damages the plants, but vastly impairs the general effect; place the flowers 
moderately thin, so as to admit of a free interspersion of the nobler foliage 
plants, which will give a pleasing relief. The permanent plants must have 
every attention as to watering, surface-dressing with fresh soil, and encouraging 
such as are thoroughly established with manure-water ; while those which have 
finished blooming require pruning and starting into growth. It frequently happens 
in the press of work at this season, that they are put aside and overlooked until 
damaged, or so much retarded as to flower unsatisfactorily. The following season’s 
winter-flowering plants must now be pushed forward, so as to admit of perfect 
maturation. Ferns will bo starting, and should be encouraged by syringing the 
stronger-growing sorts overhead, and sprinkling the floors; but with such as 
Cheilanthes^ Gymnogramma^ Nothochlcena, &c., a proper state of humidity must 
be promoted without syringing overhead, which so completely spoils their 
appearance, that from this cause alone we very rarely see the real beauty 
of these chaj’ming plants. Shade against hot sun, ventilating freely at the 
roofs, but avoiding cutting draughts. 
Of Orchids the potting must be finished as soon as possible. Many sorts will 
now be growing freely, and mnst have an increase of heat and moisture both 
at the root and in the atmosphere. Ccdanthes^ those most useful Autumn 
decorative plants, should now be potted in thoroughly drained pots, using fibry 
loam, peat, equal parts of dried cow-dung and leaf-soil, and adding charcoal 
and sand ; these ingredients, mixed in about equal proportions, will grow them 
admirably. 
The growth of Hard-wooded plants must be encouraged by shutting up 
early, and damping every available surface. Epacrises and soft-wooded Heaths 
which have been cut back start more freely in a genially warm temperature ; at 
the same time, a sturdy habit of growth must be secured, by free ventilation ; all 
recently potted plants must be cautiously watered at the root. Begulate the 
form of growing plants by pinching back wayward shoots. 
Stove plants must now be afforded a brisk moist temperature, admitting air 
in accordance with the external temperature. Gardenias that were forced early 
will derive benefit from being placed in a brisk heat. Attend to the potting 
and stopping-back of quick-growing plants ; stop back Achimenes and plant into 
baskets. Hoya hella^ yEschynanthus^ Torenias^ &c., are also very graceful when 
grown in baskets. Embrace every opportunity in keeping down insect pests. 
In the pits and frames the propagation of bedding plants must be completed 
as soon as possible, gradually inuring the hardier kinds to full exposure, so as 
to make room for the more tender occupants ; such as are not planted out of the 
pots, under temporary protection, should have the pots plunged in light material, 
which will save a vast amount of labour in watering. Guard against cold cutting 
winds. Prick off seedlings of all kinds, as soon as they are fit to handle. Sow 
seeds of Stoclcs and Asters^ and divide and start Ganna roots. Proceed with the 
propagation of Coleus Verschaffeltii and C, Verschaffeltii splendens^ which are the 
best sorts. Alternantheras should also be got forward with the utmost despatch, 
as well as all tender plants required to be increased.— Geoege Westland, Witley 
Court. 
FRUITS. 
Pines : Plants in fruit require a temperature of about 80°, with an increase 
of 10° by sun-heat; water freely, and syringe the plants when the house is closed 
