156 
THE FLORIST. 
be liable to start into fresh growth, and this would probably ruin the 
bloom. See that the foliage of the whole stock is clean and free from 
insects. Conservatory .—There will be a plentiful supply of plants at 
command for the decoration of this house during this month, but do not 
overcrowd to the extent of injuring any of the permanent specimens, 
and use as much care in the placing of the plants in bloom as if they 
were scarce, and endeavour to produce the best possible effect with the 
abundance of materials at command. Ventilate freely during warm 
weather, but avoid cold draughts, especially against things that have 
been brought from the stove; and use every care to maintain a moist 
atmosphere, keeping tlie beds and borders well watered, and frequently 
sprinkling every available surface. Also keep a sharp look out for 
insects, and if red spider is perceived upon any of the permanent 
specimens, give these a thorough washing with the engine or syringe; 
and apply gentle doses of tobacco smoke as often as may be necessary, 
to keep aphis and thrips in check, taking care to have the house as dry 
as possible before smoking; and if only a few plants, which can be 
moved, are infested, these had better be removed to some other house 
or close room, so as to avoid the risk of injuring things in bloom, and 
the certainty of rendering the atmosphere of the house unpleasant for 
days by smoking. Attend to regulating the young w’ood of twiners 
before this gets too much entangled, and see that plants of these in free 
growth are properly supplied with water at the rout, particularly such 
things as Passionflowers, Mandevillas, &c., which bloom upon the 
young wood, and which bloom but poorly unless where they make 
a vigorous and rather early growth. See that every possible effort is 
used early in the month for providing a supply of plants for blooming 
here throughout the summer and autumn. Gold Frames. —Bedding- 
out plants which are sufficiently strong should be gradually exposed 
to a free circulation of air, leaving them exposed at night only 
when there is danger of frost, but shade from bright sunshine if 
only to save labour in watering. Late stock, however, should be 
encouraged by a close moist rather warm temperature, in order to 
get them sufficiently strong for planting out as quickly as possible, 
and allow of their being hardened and ready for placing in the beds 
before the end of the month; and if the weather proves favourable 
towards the middle of the month, planting out may be commenced, 
beginning with such things as are not the most tender and have been 
well prepared by exposure to air, &c. But we would not advise 
planting out if the weather appears unfavourable or frost likely to occur ; 
and before beginning to plant out be certain that the whole stock is 
perfectly free from green-fly, particularly Calceolarias and Verbenas, 
and keep those in small pots liberally supplied with water. Flower 
Garden .—Get the beds, &c., prepared for their summer occupants, 
thoroughly pulverising the soil by occasional diggings wherever this can 
be done; and get the arrangement for planting decided upon at once, 
so as to be able to add manure or leaf-soil for such things as will 
be benefited by such dressings. The whole class of variegated Geraniums 
delight in a rich light soil; and ground to be planted with these should 
have a liberal coat of old decayed manure nicely incorporated with the 
