58 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[ March, 
general cultivation, should now be procured, as imported roots are most to bo 
depended upon ; pot them singly in 6-in. or 7-in. pots, well drained in a compost 
of turfy loam, enriched with one-tliird rotten dung or leaf-soil, and opened with 
sand, which will grow them freely; the crowns should be covered about an inch 
with soil. Place them in bottom-lieat until established, watering sparingly, 
and afterwards gradually hardening them until they will bear exposure near to 
the glass in a greenhouse, where they will require an abundance of water. 
Auriculas, as the plants are now growing freely, must have protection from 
frosts, with a more liberal supply of water at the roots ; give an abundance of 
air upon every favourable occasion, and fumigate occasionally to keep down the 
green-fly. Cinerarias will be coming into flower, and must be kept free from 
insects by frequent fumigations ; the plants must be well supplied with manure- 
water, and be kept near to the glass. The same remarks hold good in regard to 
Calceolarias; the latest-struck plants should at once have their final shift, and 
be kept near to the glass, staking and tying-out the flower-stems as they advance 
in growth. Sow seeds of Primula sinensis and of Cinerarias for early flowering. 
Stoves: The potting of all kinds of plants in these will now be completed, 
and attention must be directed to the timely shifting of young growing stock, 
which should never be allowed to become pot-bound. Euphorbia jacqxdniaeflora 
should be cut back, first allowing the plants to become moderately dry, so as to 
prevent any excess of bleeding. They are very difficult to keep compact, with¬ 
out tying-down, which is an unnatural-looking method; but if potted when they 
have fairly broken, and plunged in a brisk heat, they will make rapid progress, 
and the young shoots should be pinched back when about 4 in. in length, which 
will tend to multiply their number, and with one other stopping when they are 
again about the same length, the foundation will be more dense and well furnished. 
The plants should afterwards be kept in the full sun and near to the glass ; indeed 
they should never be shaded or over-potted. Thus treated, one of the most 
straggling and yet most lovely of plants may be somewhat restricted in habit, 
and thus made more serviceable. Successional batches of Achimenes, Gloxinias, 
Caladiums, and Begonias should be started. Increase the temperature and mois¬ 
ture in proportion to the lengthening days, syringing at the time of shutting-up. 
At present, ventilate at the apex onty, and thus avoid cold currents of air. 
Bedding Plants: Propagation should now be pushed forward with despatch. 
Alterncintheras will be growing freely, and should be propagated in quantities, as 
by far the best plants are procured from cuttings that are rooted now. Some 
growers propagate quantities of these in autumn, under the idea that they will have 
finer plants, which is a mistake, for without they are cut complete^ to the 
ground and started afresh, they will never produce healthy growth. Start Dahlia 
roots in a brisk, moist heat. Sow seeds of Tender A nnuals, such as Celosias, Balsams, 
Amarantlius, Nicotiana, Per ilia, Picinus, Tagetes, &c. Such Pelargoniums as have 
been -wintered in boxes should now be potted ; those that are in small pots will be 
benefited by a shift into fresh soil; even if they are but shaken out and replanted 
in the same-sized pots, they will be found to derive benefit therefrom, and their 
roots, being in a fresher condition at planting-out time, will more quickly grasp 
the fresh soil than those which have been long confined in small pots ; they will 
also more than save the labour of potting by requiring less water at the root. 
Bedding Pelargoniums are now so numerous that it is somewhat difficult to make 
a selection, as most growers have special favourites. The following I find to 
possess a free-flowering habit, with continuity of bloom throughout the season :— 
Scarlet —Vesuvius, Waltham Seedling, Bayard, Violet Hill Nosegay (should be 
grown in rich soil, when it is first-class), Bonfire, Grand Duke; Pink —Amaranth, 
