THE FLORIST. 
133 
Experience has convinced us that autumnal potting only partially 
prevents autumnal flowering. Again, the second blooms from 
Spring potted plants are frequently exhibited, and, to our know¬ 
ledge, have taken first prizes; while the second blooms from the 
Autumn potted plants are seldom, if ever, fit to exhibit. 
J. T. Neville. 
Calceolarias. —If you wish large specimens, shift your plants at 
once into 12-inch pots, and use the compost directed in No. III., 
page 54. Never allow a curled leaf to escape your attention, 
but see if the green fly does not occasion it. This pest must be 
kept down by fumigation. Before smoking, elevate the large 
lower leaves with sticks, to ensure the tobacco smoke reaching 
them. 
Nursery, Sudbury . W. H. Holmes. 
Carnations and Picotees. —These have made considerable ad¬ 
vancement towards blooming, and should be sticked without 
delay. The old foliage will now be fast decaying, and should be 
removed, which will benefit the plants as well as render them 
neat in appearance. Many of the strong plants will throw up 
blooms from the bottom, which should be stopped. The surface 
soil will require stirring after so much rain; top-dress with rotten 
manure and loam mixed. C. Turner. 
Cinerarias.— The lover of these flowers should pay a visit to the 
nurseries, and make their notes of the varieties they see in bloom. 
Excellent is your advice in a previous number, £< Whatever you 
cultivate, let it be the best of its kind.” As a constant reader, I 
wish some one well acquainted with the subject, w r ould give us a 
few lines on this favourite of mine in your calendar. 
Dahlias. —Endeavour to have fine plants ready to plant out by 
the end of the month: they will not be safe sooner, unless 
they are protected at night; shift, therefore, all that have been 
struck in small pots into 48’s. The soil should be light and rich. 
If the plants are growing freely, place them at once in a cold 
frame facing the North, taking the lights off on all favourable 
occasions : never allow them to suffer from drought, or they will 
bulb and become stunted in the point. If the plants are small 
when they are re-potted, place them for a short time in a gentle 
heat in order to start them : let them stand a good distance 
apart. Great care should also be exercised in hardening off 
seedlings, keep them growing without allowing them to draw. 
The old roots, which have been employed to produce cuttings, 
may be divided; they will form, when potted, strong plants with 
little trouble. Level ground that has been ridged up during 
winter, preparatory to its being finally dug at planting time, and 
have plenty of rotten manure prepared to set the plants in. 
C. Turner. 
Epacrises. —Proceed without loss of time to give the general shift, 
as the plants have made new growth, and are hardened off. Give 
