36 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGHST. 
[ February, 
better, will also aid, according to tlie bulk of soil, in keeping it from bolting 
quite so early as it otherwise might do, by keeping it cooler and at a more 
uniform temperature. Take advantage of the first drying wind, the soil being 
also moderately dry, to run the hoe freely amongst crops of Spinach , Lettuces , 
Endive , autumn-sown Onions , &c., and drawing a little additional soil up around 
the steins of spring Cabbages, &c. Where ill-success has attended the autumn- 
sown Spinach , advantage should be taken to sow a batch in a warm sunny corner 
during the month ; such a sowing will be likely to prove very useful. 
Asparagus-beds should be soiled or “ packed up ” during dry weather also, 
in instances where this may not have been done in the autumn, which is a 
practice too frequently followed, although it is one which, especially in stiff, wet 
soils, is very likely to cause the roots or “ stools ” to rot away. All digging and 
trenching operations should be finished off with the utmost despatch, not alone 
becausa the soil will become better settled down, and in a more fitting state to 
receive the crops intended for each site at an early date, but also—and this is 
important—with the view of getting as much of the heavy work done as possible. 
Where, from any cause, November-sown Peas have not succeeded, or these 
and Broad Beans were not sown, sowings of both should now be made. The 
former might be forwarded a stage by sowing them in boxes or in oblong pieces 
of turf turned upside down, a drill row being cut along the centre of each, and 
the seeds fixed firmly therein. Make also early plantings of early Potatos 
(Ashleaf Kidney) both in a pit or frame, within which a moderate bottom-heat 
has been engendered by means of fermenting materials, and also upon a sheltered 
southern border outside. Preparation must be made for early sowings of many 
kinds of vegetables, including Carrots (Early Horn), Radishes , Onions , Lettuces , &c. 
Successional batches of winter-protected young seedling Cauliflowers must be 
carefully transplanted permanently on to thoroughly enriched quarters in an 
open sunny situation. Where hand-glasses are at command, it will be well to 
plant them out under such, placing about five plants under each. 
The Cucumber and Melon frames—where better means do not exist—will 
have been nicely moulded, and the plants planted, and making a healthy advance ; 
the vines should be pinched back as they near the sides of the frames, and 
following this, more soil should be added, and every attention given to maintain 
the heat, by the renewal of the linings, &c. The better way to do this last is to 
renew one-half at a time, by which means the old lining will be capable of 
retaining warmth around one part of the bed, whilst the other half renews its 
fermentation after being disturbed. Those who have not yet commenced should 
form their beds and procure and sow their seed without delay. Regarding sorts, 
Munro’s Duke of Edinburgh will be found excellent for home use, being a free 
and quick fruiter, as is the older Telegraph.— William Earley, Valentines . 
LATE PEARS. 
E have so many varieties of autumn Pears of such rare excellence, that we 
have little more to desire in that way, but really good late Pears are a 
desideratum. The following promise to be valuable late sorts :— Beurre 
Six , General Duvivier , Due de Morny , Bezi Mai , Louise Bonne de 
Printemps , and L’Inconnue. Beurre Six is a fine large Pear, in shape something 
like Glou Morceau; the tree is of a free, upright habit of growth. General 
Duvivier is a medium-sized Pear, and keeps well; the tree is of a stiff, upright 
habit of growth. The Due de Morny is a very fine Pear ; the tree being of free 
