64 
THE FLORIST. 
already done. Plant out those for summer blooming towards the end 
of the month, selecting a time when the soil is dry and the weather 
mild. 
Peach-forcing. —As the fruit in the early house will now be set, 
it should be thinned at once. The trees should be syringed mornings 
and afternoons. The inside borders should be well watered when they 
require any. Sprinkle well the floor and paths, to cause a moist atmo¬ 
sphere. The temperature should range from 60 degrees by night to 
70 degrees by day, with an increase by sun-heat. Attend regularly to 
the disbudding. Houses in bloom should have plenty of air. 
Pelargoniums. —Under the increasing influence of solar light, these 
will now begin to grow stronger. The plants that are intended for 
early blooming, as the days lengthen will want watering more freely ; 
be careful that enough is given at a time to penetrate the ball. Increase 
the heat a little as the season advances. Sufficient artificial heat should 
always be used to admit of air being given freely every day. In 
bright weather maintain a moist growing atmosphere by sprinkling the 
paths and floor of the house two or three times a day. Attend regu¬ 
larly to the tying and training of the shoots as they progress; and also 
the stock generally. Some of the autumn potted plants may be 
stopped for late flowering, particularly those that may have become a 
little drawn, as will be the case with some kinds. The surface of the 
soil should be kept clean, the plants kept free from decayed leaves, and 
above all things keep a diligent watch for green-fly. 
Pinks. —When dry, stir the surface of the beds ; press firmly into 
the soil any weak plants lifted by the frost. Top dress towards the 
end of the month with rich soil. 
Pleasure Ground. —111 mild open weather planting of all kinds may 
be done, but large shrubs and trees should be planted as soon as 
possible. 
Strawberry-forcing. —Plants that are swelling fruit should be well 
supplied with water, and they should be watered two or three times 
weekly with liquid manure. As soon as sufficient fruit is set for a crop 
all the remainder of the bloom and fruit should be thinned out. Give 
plants in bloom abundance of air. All should be kept close to the glass. 
Tulips. — These are very generally above-ground, being a fortnight 
earlier this than the average of seasons.; some had appeared before the 
old year was out. However, the soil being very dry, no injury will 
result; but protect during bad weather as the foliage becomes deve¬ 
loped. When all are above-ground, stir the soil between the plants ; 
this should be done carefully, with a light hand. 
Vinery. —It is a long time since we have experienced a season so 
favourable to early forcing as the present. With little either of snow 
or rain to effect outside borders ; with a good deal of sunshine in 
December, and an unusual amount in January, together with mild 
weather. Where proper attention has been paid, early Vines will now 
be in the most satisfactory state. Thin the buds in early house ; disbud 
Vines breaking ; and stop or tie down shoots when long enough. 
