62 
THE FLORIST. 
* Cold Frames. —The weather up to the present time has been very 
favourable to the occupants of these, with but little either of frost or rain, 
and with an extraordinary amount of sunshine for the season, thereby 
allowing abundance of air to be given. Everything in these should now be 
in the best possible condition. Look carefully over the whole, and take 
advantage of fine days to clean and top-dress, or shift such as may 
require it. Watering will now become necessary more frequently, but 
caution must be observed not to overdo it at present, and it should be 
done in the forenoon. Give all the air possible when the state of the 
weather permits. See well to the coverings at night in frosty weather. 
Conservatory and Show-house. —The moment any flowering plant is 
past its best remove it, and supply its place with one that is just coming 
into bloom. Do not let a dead leaf, a decayed flower, or anything else 
be seen, that would, in the slightest degree, detract from the general 
appearance. Everything in the way of crowding the plants should be 
studiously avoided. A few good things, tastefully arranged, will always 
produce a pleasing effect. Have, however, as much bloom as possible, 
for at no season will it be more appreciated in-doors than at present, 
especially if cold severe weather should set in. They should now be 
gay, with Camellias, Indian Azaleas, Epacrises, Ericas, Acacias, 
Polygalas, Cinerarias, Primulas, Hyacinths, Narcissus, Tulip, Lily 
of the Valley, Mignonette, Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Rhodoras, 
Andromedas, Deutzias, Weigelas, Lilacs, Roses, &c., &c. ; with these 
there can be no want of display. Keep the temperature as last month, 
from 40 to 45 degrees by night, and from 50 to 55 degrees by day. 
Give air pretty freely when the weather permits, but be careful to 
guard against cold cutting winds. Maintain a moist healthy atmosphere, 
and attend well to the watering. Keep a keen eye upon insects. 
Dahlias. —Propagate now very generally, the roots having been 
started as previously directed. The cuttings, when from three to four 
inches long, strike very readily in a moist heat near the glass. All is 
in good time, however, very early plants being liable to become stunted ; 
therefore force slowly at first. If a few of a kind are only wanted, 
dividing the roots after they are started will be the least trouble. 
Flower Garden. —With what feelings of pleasure do we behold the 
first appearance of the Aconite, Snowdrop, and Crocus ! What delightful 
anticipations do they not excite ! When beds of the different colours of 
Crocus are judiciously arranged, they are very showy and effective. 
Have everything in the best possible order. Alterations intended to be 
done this spring should be pushed forward with all despatch. Plant 
herbaceous plants ; plant Ranunculus and Anemones. Look carefully 
over the stores of “ bedding stuff,” and, if you are likely to fall short of 
anything, cuttings of such should be put in without loss of time. Pot 
off all plants in store pans or boxes ; keep them rather close for a few 
days ; air should then be given freely by day, so as to harden them in 
good time. 
Forcing Hardy Shrubs. —Introduce plenty of hardy Azaleas ; they 
are exceedingly beautiful when in flower, offering, as they do, a great 
variety in colour, independent of which many of them are delightfully 
fragrant. Introduce a good variety of Rhododendrons. Also some 
