72 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
we may confidently look for more healthy robust plants, and a finer bloom in 
all bed and border flowers, than in the average of seasons. Also, though we 
never can speak with certainty of the future in the case of the weather, the 
tranquil state of things leads us to presume that there will be less danger in 
this way than there is in ordinary seasons. Thus this spring, which has just 
set in, is a most promising one; and the prospect on every hand is abundance 
in quantity and excellence in quality. This applies to flowering and fruiting 
shrubs and trees as well as to herbaceous plants. The early and perfect 
ripening of the wood and maturity of the buds gives farther promise, espe¬ 
cially to all those plants which have their shoot and flower buds somewhat 
advanced in the autumn, and preserved in hybernacula during the winter. 
The contrast of the year with the preceding one is very striking; and the 
two afford a most useful lesson to those who study—as every florist and culti¬ 
vator should study—the philosophy of the weather. By careful examination 
and comparison, they will not fail to discover that, if nature runs into any 
extreme, as it did into the extreme of humidity in the preceding season, there 
are involved, in that very extreme, the elements of bringing nature back again. 
This runs through the whole system; and for this reason, besides others, it is 
deserving of the most careful study, more especially by those who deal with 
natural subjects, and must work in accordance with the season. 
CALENDAR FOR MARCH. 
Stove. —Give water moderately, and air freely, during fine days. But 
little fire at night is now necessary; and to promote vigorous growth, shift 
your plants into rich compost. 
Greenhouse. —Make no fires, unless the thermometer in the open air is 
within 5 deg. of the freezing point. Sow half-hardy annuals at the earliest 
period, and any tender annuals at the end of the month. 
FLOWER GARDEN. 
Sow hardy annuals, as Larkspur, Lupin, Mignionette, &c. at the beginning, 
and some of the more robust of the half-hardy, at the end of the month. Plant 
dried roots, as Anemone and Ranunculus, and most herbaceous plants; also 
Polyanthus, Sweetwilliams, Pinks, Auricula, Canterbury Bells, Gentian, 
Daisies, &c. Transplant annuals, and biennials and perennials to the borders. 
Shelter choice flowering plants; also Tulips, Hyacinths, &c., if the weather 
should be very severe. Clean and prepare the borders, and repair the gravel 
walks. 
