64 
THE FLORIST. 
smoothly. One of the greatest annoyances in a Ranunculus bed is the 
throwing of the bulbs out of their proper position by the worms ; there-, 
fore it cannot be too carefully handpicked. Roses. —Alas, alas ! this 
cruel, nipping frost has made sad havoc. Here we have had nothing 
lower than 16° ; but in some places it has been even —6° and 8°; in 
the midland counties, especially, it has been very trying, and I hear 
that half the Hybrid Perpetuals in those regions are killed. Those 
who have moved their Roses late, will I fancy be best off, as the drier 
the stock the less likelihood of frost laying hold of them. Those who 
likejop-dressing at this time of the year can do so when the weather 
changes. Nightsoil, mixed with drainings of the dunghill, is, Mr. 
Rivers assures us, very good; and unfortunately, the grosser the food 
the sweeter the perfume. Tidips .—The bed, which should have been 
protected during the severe frost, will, as soon as the thaw begins, 
require to be uncovered and looked over, as the bulbs will soon begin to 
push their way up. Greenhouse. —Cinerarias, Cyclamens, Karly 
Tulips, Hyacinths, and Tropceolums will now give to this a gay appear¬ 
ance. Azaleas will be pushing on their way. Give air in fine weather, 
and if fire-heat be needed take care that the edges of the Cineraria 
leaves are not burned up, a sprinkling of the floor, and syringing occa¬ 
sionally, when you can rely on keeping off frost, will be of much 
service. Give more room to growing things, if possible, and fumi¬ 
gate, to keep down greenfly. Those who have conveniences for striking 
will now think of increasing bedding plants, but those who have not 
had better wait another month, when a hotbed may be made for the 
purpose. 
Deal, Jan. 17. D. 
PLANTS FOR EXHIBITION. 
Cinerarias .—Little can be done with these other than the treatment 
given last month; but as they will now be very succulent, owing to 
being kept close through the severe frost, great care must be taken not 
to let them have any strong currents of cold air until they become firm, 
as it is likely to curl the leaves and disfigure them. Still continue to 
remove any superfluous woods and small leaves with suckers from such 
as are intended for show, keep them as thin and near the glass as pos¬ 
sible ; as strong established plants are now getting forward, remove 
them to the forcing house for early flowers. When well established, 
a little weak liquid manure is very beneficial, giving size and colour to 
the flowers. Look to seedlings, and select the gayest and best for stock. 
Pelargoniums .—Continue the course recommended last month, but 
increase the heat a little as the season advances; avail yourself of every 
favourable opportunity to give air, and that freely ; close however early 
in the afternoon to retain a little of the sun heat which is so desirable. 
Plants which have been wintered in small pots should now be finally 
repotted ; attend regularly to the tying and training of the shoots as they 
progress, and apply water freely when necessary. If you intend to 
have fine specimens, it is an indispensable condition that they have 
ample growing space, and therefore every thing like crowding plants 
hould be studiously avoided. 
