126 
THE FLORIST. 
by a wash sufficiently strong to kill the green-fly—next month it may 
be used with safety. Do not commence disbudding the Peach and 
Nectarine trees at present; but, on the other hand, encourage all the 
foliage, to protect the young fruit from cutting winds, and to encourage 
an active circulation of sap in the trees. Graft Apples and Pears early 
in the month, especially large trees that have previously been headed 
down for that purpose. Plant Strawberries, and keep the hoe moving 
in dry weather among the growing plants, and prepare the fruiting 
beds for mulching with dung or litter next month. Liquid manure 
may now be given, especially to old plantations. Examine the borders 
of orchard houses and water freely if dry. The trees in pots will also 
require frequent waterings, and occasionally with liquid manure. Give 
plenty of air and use the syringe freely, either in the mornings or 
evenings of fine days. Forcing Ground .—Cucumbers and Melons 
will now require more air and water in proportion to the increase of 
sun-heat and light. Keep the linings turned or renewed, so that the 
bottom-heat does not decline. Syringe the plants and close early in 
the afternoon ; still continue to cover the frames every cold night, 
except where fire-heat is used. Thin and stop the shoots, so that the 
foliage may have full exposure to air and light, and avoid shading if 
possible. Pot the young plants, and sow again early in the month for 
succession; also Vegetable Marrow and Gourds. Make the last sowing 
of French Beans under glass, either in frames or handglasses—keep 
close till they are up ; those in bearing should be well watered and 
syringed, to keep them in a healthy condition. Earth up Potatoes in 
frames, and give all vegetables under glass a good soaking of water 
once or twice a week, according to the state of the weather, and 
abundance of air at all times. Give Cauliflower, Lettuce, and other 
plants forwarded under glass, full exposure, for the purpose of hardening 
them before planting in the open ground. Pof Capsicums, Tomatoes, 
and Egg plants, and keep them growing in a moderate heat. Pines .— 
Look over the succession plants and water if dry; and if any were not 
shifted last month, no time should be lost in getting them repotted, 
using a mixture of free turfy loam and rotten manure. Keep the plants 
close for a few days after potting. Syringe occasionally, but do not 
give much water at the root till the plants begin to grow, when more 
air and water should be given, avoiding, at all times, a current of air 
through the pit, by giving front and back air at the same time. Plants 
in fruit require a temperature of about 80*^, with an increase of 10^ 
during sunshine. Water freely, and syringe the plants when the house 
is closed in the afternoon, to keep up the requisite moisture. Attend to 
the linings of those grown in dung pits. Peaches and Nectarines .— 
Tie in and regulate the shoots in the early house. Select for next 
season shoots of moderate strength, choosing those springing from the 
heel or base of the previous season’s growth; stop the shoots above 
the fruit, with the exception of those that are required to form leading 
branches. Proceed with the thinning of the fruit as they may require 
it; .of course this must entirely depend on the condition of the tree— 
what quantity it is capable of bringing to maturity. Double the number 
may be retained on a vigorous tree in comparison to those in a weakly 
