60 
THE FLOEIST. 
for mildew, applying sulphur immediately this is perceived. Give air 
on a sheltered side whenever this can be done, but do not expose the 
plants to currents of cold air. Get all young plants intended to form 
specimens tied into form as soon as possible. The stock of bedding 
plants, as Verbenas, Lobelias, Petunias, variegated Geraniums, &c., 
should be carefully examined, and those of which a large increase may 
be required, placed at once in a warm moist temperature of from 60*^ 
to 70*^, placing them close to the glass, repotting such as may require 
this, and using every means to secure an ample stock of strong cuttings 
as early as possible. And unless some better convenience for propa¬ 
gating such things is at command, a dung bed should be prepared, so 
as to be in readiness to receive the cuttings as soon as these can be 
procured. Early propagation is the only certain way to ensure strong 
well-prepared plants at planting-out time, and furnish a good display 
in the flower garden early in the season. Keep every thing perfectly 
free from green-fly, by gentle fumigations as often as may be necessary. 
Greenhouse .—A rather dry atmosphere, with a free admission of air 
on every favourable opportunity, should be aimed at here for the pre¬ 
sent, carefully avoiding overwatering; but when a plant is watered, 
enough should be given to thoroughly moisten the ball. Towards the 
end of the month, young stock of New Holland and other plants, which 
it may be desirable to increase in size as fast as possible, should be 
collected and placed where they can be kept rather closer, and afforded 
a somewhat moister atmosphere than the general stock, giving air 
against them very sparingly. Such plants should, however, first be 
cut back and tied out as may be necessary, to secure a well shaped 
foundation for the future specimen, and those that require more pot 
room should be shifted. But such things, when repotted at this season, 
must be very carefully attended to with water until the roots strike 
into the fresh soil, for any excess will be dangerous. See that every¬ 
thing 'is perfectly clear of aphis and mildew, and apply the proper 
remedy immediately either of these pests make their appearance. 
Btote .—If not already done, prune and repot Dipladenias and Allamandas, 
shaking away as much of the old soil as can be done, without injuring 
the principal roots; also Stephanotis, Clerodendron splendens, and 
similar plants. Plants that have been partially disrooted must be very 
sparingly supplied with water at the root until they start into growth, 
but they should be lightly sprinkled overhead with the syringe morn¬ 
ing and evening. Proceed with repotting the general stock as fast as 
circumstances will permit, and endeavour to get everything infested 
with scale or mealy bug thoroughly cleaned, as there is little chance 
that time for this sort of work will be more easily commanded as the 
season advances, and plants will be much less trouble to clean now than 
after they have made fresh growth. Attend to potting a batch of 
Gloxinias, Achimenes, Clerodendrons, &c., according to the time when 
they will be most valued in bloom. Maintain a steady temperature of 
from 60^ to 65° at night, raising it to 70° or 75° during the day, and 
maintain a moist atmosphere. 
