88 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ April, 
Peas^ &c., should have full exposure in good weather, by drawing off the lights 
through the day. All these thin'gs should have a soaking of water at least once 
a week, with the exception of Potatos that are fit for use; these should be kept 
moderately dry. Ccadijlower^ Lettuce^ and Cape Broccoli plants, that were for¬ 
warded under glass, should now be fully exposed, to harden them before planting 
out. Sow a few more French Beans at the beginning of the month, either in 
frames or under hand-glasses, keeping them close till the)’’ are up; liquid manure 
will greatly assist those in bearing. Pot off Capsicums^ Tomatos^ and Egg-plants^ 
and keep them growing in a moderate heat; also prick out Basil and Knotted 
Marjoram as soon as they are ready, and sow a little more seed of these on a 
slight hot-bed. Keep up plenty of moisture in the Mushroom-h.ovi%Q^ where the 
temperature should range from 60° to 70°, and collect droppings for new beds. 
Give more air and water to Cncumhej^s^ in accordance with the increase of 
sun-heat and light; syringe the plants at closing-time, which should be early in 
the afternoon; thin the foliage, that it may get the full benefit of air and light; 
stop the shoots just above every show for fruit. Maintain the heat by turning 
or renewing the linings ; continue to cover the frames at night, but avoid 
shading the plants in the day-time, if possible. Pot off young plants, and prepare 
a pit or frame to receive them. Sow more seed, also some Ridge Cucumber for 
planting under hand-glasses in May. Vegetable Marrow and Melon Gourds should 
also be sown ; the latter make an excellent preserve. Where fire-heat is used for 
Cucumbers, a continually moist atmosphere should be maintained, otherwise red- 
spider will be likely to be very troublesome.—J. Powell, Frogmore. 
THE CALCEOLAEIA—SUMMER TREATMENT OF. 
Y the time this appears (April), the bedding Calceolarias, if wintered in 
cold frames, as recommended in a former paper (1875, 254), should be 
stopped by pinching out the heart, and as they will be most of them 
showing flower, this will • cause them to break, and become more bushy. 
To prevent their becoming drawn, the lights should be taken off on all sunny 
I 
days. Warm spring rains will greatly benefit them, but should cold winds 
accompany the rain, as is often the case in April, it will be better to tilt the 
lights at the back of the frame, so as to harden them, till about the middle of the 
month, when they should be planted in their summer quarters. For this pur¬ 
pose, a fine day should be chosen, and the soil should be in nice working order. 
If intended for a ribbon-border, I find they do much better if a nick is cut about 
6 in. deep with the spade, and the plants bedded in about 9 in. apart, giving each 
plant a tread, to make it firm in the soil. Should the weather be showery after 
they are planted, they will not require watering, but if drying winds prevail, give 
them a good soaking, to settle the soil round the roots. They will require but 
little attention afterwards all through the summer, but it may be advisable to 
pinch'the blooms out about the end of May, when the other plants are put out. 
Even should the summer be dry and sunny, we never water the Calceolaria 
here, as I believe nothing is more injurious to them than cold water when the 
soil is hot. If the soil has been well prepared by digging it a good depth, and 
using leaf-mould instead of stronger manures, they will not require to be watered. 
Those who are interested in Flower-gardening may inquire why I recom- 
