108 
THE FLORIST. 
stood, that as the water strains through the smaller into the 
larger division of the tank, the former must be refilled. Seed¬ 
lings should all be in the blooming-pots: they should have all 
the air and light that can be given them, to ripen the wood and 
forward their flowering. J. Dobson. 
Pinks have commenced their spring growth; if the beds have not 
been stirred and top-dressed it should be attended to immediately. 
Store plants in pots may now be turned out with safety; make 
good the beds if any deficiencies, keep them clear of insects, and 
the surface open by frequent stirrings. J. Neville. 
Ranunculus. —-The plants will now be making their appearance ; 
and choice beds should be looked over, to see that the protruding 
leaves do not suffer by pressure against stones. It will be useful 
to press the soil closely round the crown of the plants with the 
hands. Worms should be destroyed by the use of clear lime- 
water, or they will often disturb the tubers, and expose them to 
the injurious action of the air. Should the surface-soil become 
light, it should be stirred and pressed down previous to top¬ 
dressing. This is done by the addition of about three-quarters of 
an inch of rich compost over the surface of the bed, taking care 
not to fill the hearts of the plants. Its advantage is two-fold— 
to protect from drought, and to afford nourishment. 
Wallingford. Tyso and Son. 
Note .—To prepare lime-water, throw a quantity of fresh unslacked 
lime into a tub, then fill it with water, stir it up several times, and 
allow it to settle into a clear state, when it is fit for use. It 
cannot be made too strong, as the water will only hold a certain 
quantity of lime in solution, and that quantity is quite harmless 
to vegetation, but destructive to worms, slugs, &c. 
Editor. 
Roses in Pots. —Keep them clean from the green-fly and maggot; 
water occasionally with liquid manure, and where the shoots are 
getting long, tie them up .to a few sticks in an easy form. 
J. Dobson. 
Tulips. —The directions for last month are equally applicable for the 
present; let the surface of the bed be stirred once more before 
blooming time, and, as a fine and healthy foliage gives great effect 
to the appearance of the bed when in bloom, especial care should 
be taken this month to protect from hail-storms, chilling winds, 
and heavy rain. If the weather be very dry at the latter end 
of the month, give a slight watering in the evening through the 
fine rose of a water-pot over the foliage, and immediately cover 
the bed with the mats. When taken off the next morning, the 
increased freshness and vigour of its appearance will be very 
striking. J. Hunt. 
High Wycombe. 
Levey, Robson, and Franklyn, Great New Street, Fetter Lane. 
