94 
THE FLORISTS JOURNAL. 
Succession Bed .—In the beginning of April, a bed may be 
formed to succeed those made in the autumn. For this purpose, 
the cuttings taken in October or November, if well rooted, will 
be most suitable. This bed should, if possible, have a northern 
aspect, so as to admit the morning sun only ; the same directions 
before given being observed in preparing the soil, except that no 
shavings should be mixed with the horn dust, that decomposi¬ 
tion may take place immediately. If well watered in dry weather 
this bed will produce blooms in perfection through the months of 
July and August. 
Raising Seedlings .—Of all the delightful occupations of flori¬ 
culture, perhaps that of raising new varieties from seed is the 
most delightful; and in watching the progress of this creation of 
new beauties, the careful cultivator is amply repaid for the trouble 
and attention bestowed on the work. About Lady-day the seed 
may either be sown in boxes of light earth placed in a cold frame, 
or in the open ground. If the quantity be small, the former 
method would be advisable ; as by keeping the frame generally 
closed, or by covering the boxes with hand-glasses, the seed will 
germinate with greater certainty. No bottom heat will be neces¬ 
sary. If sown in the open ground, the soil should be light, and 
the seed sown in drills about three inches apart, and lightly 
covered over with finely-sifted unadhesive mould. If the sun be 
powerful, the bed should be shaded, so as to keep the surface con¬ 
stantly moist, or the seed will not germinate freely. About the 
beginning of June, the seedlings may be transplanted into beds 
prepared for that purpose, and made moderately rich ; the plants 
put in rows four inches apart, and about three inches distant in the 
rows. If the weather is very dry, it will be necessary to water 
occasionally, until they are well established. They will bloom 
abundantly through the months of August and September, when 
all those which possess no good property should be removed, and 
not suffered to go to seed, or to impoverish the soil. 
In my next communication I purpose making a few remarks on 
the essential properties of a first-class show flower, and on such 
other points as may appear to be called for by the progress of the 
season .—Midland Counties Herald ', Birmingham. 
CALENDAR FOR APRIL. 
Stove. —Much attention is necessary here this month, as the plants will 
now he growing ; very little fire-heat is necessary; give air on fine days ; re¬ 
potting, where it is required, may yet be done. Ferns and orchidaceous 
plants, where they are grown among other plants, must now occupy a shaded 
part of the house. Climbers should be attended to constantly; the young 
