8 
COMPANION TO THE FLORAL MAGAZINE. 
to arrange the beds much in the same way as is done for Tulips ; it saves 
trouble, and a better arrangement can be made of colours than if they 
are put in, in the ordinary way, just as they come to band at planting 
time. 
Greenhouse and Conservatory .—Air must be given whenever the wea¬ 
ther is favourable, and fires only used when it is either very damp or 
frosty; for it is a mistake to suppose that the ordinary greenhouse plants 
are benefited by a little heat. They will thrive much better in a more 
equable temperature; and damp is a far greater enemy than cold. 
When giving air, avoid draughts; they are apt to make Cinerarias curl 
their leaves,—and no plants like them. Where there are any trellis 
plants, such as Chorozemas, Kennedyas, and Tropeeolums, they should be 
carefully tied now. Pelargoniums should be now filling the pots with roots, 
and should be occasionally taken down from the shelves and replaced, 
turning them round if it is desired to have symmetrical plants; but 
where they are intended to bloom on the ordinary stage, they may be 
trained to “ a face/' as some express it. Camellias should be attentively 
watched : if once allowed to get dry, the buds are sure to drop. Azaleas 
will probably be shedding their leaves and looking yellow; but if this is 
natural, and not occasioned by that pest, thrip, there need be no alarm 
about it. Some of the earlier plants of Primulas will now be in bloom, 
and with the winter-flowering Heaths and Camellias will give a little gaiety 
to the house. 
Flower Garden.—Lucus a non lucendo just at present, especially since 
the bedding-out system has come into fashion. But all beds should be 
carefully dug over and thrown up in small ridges, so that they may be¬ 
come exposed to the influence of the frost and air. See that the Bose- 
beds are well coated with manure, and that the neck of the plants is 
covered, as it is here frost becomes so destructive. Beds of Lily of the 
Valley should be weeded, and then have a coating of two or three inches 
of decayed leaves applied to them, they will bloom all the stronger then ; 
be careful not to disturb the roots. 
Florists’ Flowers. —Auriculas will now only require air at favourable 
times, and covering from frost. Pinks, Pansies, Carnations, and Picotees 
in pots, the same; very little water need be given, and damp carefully 
guarded against. Chrysanthemums should be cut down and placed out of 
the way of severe frost; Hyacinths taken out of their ashy bed and gra¬ 
dually inured to light and heat; the roots of Dahlias examined; and 
preparations made for top-dressing Auriculas and potting Lilies next 
month. 
