30 
THE FLORIST. 
dwarf and in a fruitful condition. Examine the labels of fruit trees, 
and prepare new ones when the weather is unfit for out-door opera¬ 
tions ; also cut shreds and clean old wall nails—this may be done by 
heating them in an iron vessel, and stirring a little coal-tar among 
them while hot. Still pay attention to the fruit-room, and remove 
every decayed fruit. Any Pears that will not soften as they may 
be required for use should be placed in a warm room or vinery. 
Forcing Ground .—A succession of Rhubarb and Asparagus roots 
should be placed in the forcing-pits ; the Asparagus should be covered 
six inches deep with light soil or leaf mould, and afterwards well 
watered; give air in fine weather to heads coming through the soil; 
those being forced in the open air should have the linings renewed, so 
that a regular heat may be maintained. Place pots over Seakale in the 
open ground, and cover with leaves or dung; a succession of roots should 
be placed in the forcing-pits, as before advised. Sow succession crops 
of French Beans in pots, and keep a good heat, with air in fine weather, 
to those coming into bearing. Place a succession of Chives, Mint, and 
Tarragon in heat, according to the supply required. Also sow Basil 
occasionally, and small salad every few days. Prepare a slight hotbed 
with dung and leaves for sowing Early Horn Carrot and Wood’s Early 
Frame Radish. Place some Ashleaf Potatoes in a gentle heat to spear 
for planting in pits next month; some also may be put into pots half 
filled with soil and placed on the Peach-house borders. Sow Royal Dwarf 
Peas in cold pits, near the glass, and draw the lights off every fine day 
as soon as they are up ; these may also be grown in pots. Cucumbers 
still require a good heat; a night temperature of 70° should be main¬ 
tained, with an increase of 10° through the day, with air in fine weather, 
taking every advantage of sun heat by closing the house early. Sow a 
little seed about the middle of the month ; also some early Melons for 
planting in pits and frames next month. Prepare dung for linings, and 
mix a heap of dung and leaves, to be in readiness for filling pits and 
making beds when required. Cherries .—(See last month’s directions). 
Pines .—Any plants now started into fruit should be watered, and main¬ 
tain the temperature previously advised. Keep a moist atmosphere 
if much fire heat is used Those plants intended for starting next 
month should be kept dry, and the temperature increased. Keep a 
steady heat, from 65° to 70°, to the succession plants in dung-pits, 
and guard against sudden changes in the weather by regulating the 
covering at night and attending to the linings. Give a little air in fine 
weather, avoiding a draft in the pit. Collect plenty of leaves to be in 
readiness for renewing the beds when required, for no better material 
can possibly be had than a good bed of leaves for the successful cultiva¬ 
tion of the Pine. Peaches and Nectarines .—Attend to previous direc¬ 
tions, and maintain a moist atmosphere by syringing till such time as 
the trees are in bloom, when it must be discontinued till the fruit is set. 
Give abundance of air when the blossoms expand; at this stage tlie 
night temperature must not exceed 55°, or a lower temperature is pre¬ 
ferable to so much fire heat. Disbud sparingly at first, and fumiga’e 
at the first appearance of green-fly. Bring the succession-house forward 
as before directed. Strawberries .—Keep the pots near the glass in an 
