82 
THE FLOEIST AND POMOLOGHST. 
[ April, 
most essential to subdue the direct action of the sun in these structures at this 
period of the year, it is, upon the other hand, necessary to guard against over- 
shading, as it acts prejudically in weakening tender vegetation. 
Stoves: Such plants as Eucharis amazonica , which are gross feeders, should 
he kept in a brisk temperature when in active growth, and abundantly supplied 
with water. Keep such plants as Draccenas , Crotons, JEschyncinthus , Pandanus , 
Gardenias , L rancisceas , &c., which are now growing freely, near to the glass, and 
guard against over-shading, as many plants of this nature are utterly spoiled by 
being kept in darkness. As a general rule, they require all the light possible, 
whilst Alocasias , Marantas , and similar under-growth plants, should always be 
shaded from direct sunshine. Place Poinsettias in heat to produce cuttings ; 
such as are intended to be cut down to break afresh for potting on, will be early 
enough in May, and as space is an object just now, there is no necessity to start 
them sooner. Climbers such as Dipladenia , Stephanotis , &c., when growing 
freely, should be suspended near to the glass upon bands, in which position they 
make finer growth than they do when formally laced to trellises, upon which 
they may be trained as soon as they show bloom. Shift on growing stock as they 
require it, and guard against over-watering, admitting air cautiously, so as to 
prevent cold currents, and promoting a brisk, humid atmosphere. 
Greenhouse: The Lapagerias will now require an abundance of water; in 
fact, it is difficult to overdo them in this respect, when they are in active 
growth, so long as the drainage is efficient; they do best in a perfectly cool atmo¬ 
sphere, which should be somewhat shaded. They should be planted out in a 
porous material, consisting of two parts fibry peat to one of turfy loam, which 
should be kept open by a free admixture of brick rubble and charcoal with sand. 
Growing stock must be encouraged by shutting up early and damping every 
available surface, admitting air early in the morning ; but for the present, while 
growth is tender, cold currents must not be permitted, as they stultify vigorous 
growth. • See that the plants are so placed that they receive the full benefit of 
light. Attend to the ultimate symmetry of the plants, by pinching back or tying 
down any wayward shoots ; it is only by strict attention to this while they are 
•young, that well-furnished plants can be attained. 
Orchids will now require shading during bright sunshine, for which purpose 
a thin material should be used. As a general rule, light is too much excluded, 
and I would recommend that the roller be elevated about 4 in. clear of the glass, 
upon laths, so as to admit a free circulation of air between the blind and glass. 
This has been practised by Messrs. Yeitch of Chelsea with the most satisfactory 
results. The general potting of these plants will now be completed. Calanthes , which 
are so useful for autumn and winter flowering, should now be potted, using well- 
drained pots, and fibry loam freely mixed with dried cow-dung, sand, and charcoal; 
water very sparingly till they make fresh growth. As plants are now in an 
active state, they must be freely supplied with water at the root, and atmospheric 
humidity must be promoted by frequently sprinkling every available surface. 
Ferns will now be growing freely, and will require every encouragement, such 
as abundant watering and shading from sun, while the stems of tree-ferns should 
be freely syringed. 
Bedding-plants: Propagation must now be pushed forward with despatch. 
Lobelias , which are so much used in carpet-beds, must be had in quantities; the 
dwarf-growing varieties, such as Lustrous , Pumila grandiflora , &c., are freely pro¬ 
duced from divisions, if planted in light soil in boxes. The double-dwarf kind 
cannot bo relied upon for bedding purposes, being so uncertain in its blooming. Of 
the stronger-growing kinds there are various strains of Speciosa : which is still the 
