114 
FLOUTCULTURAL HINTS. 
care is exercised: the proper mode is to take hold of only one 
side of the leaf supposed to be dead, draw it gently across the 
stem, and if in a fit state it will readily part at the point of union 
with the stem, and thus the whole of it will be brought away; 
if done too soon, and in a violent manner, either a portion of the 
leaf is left which conveys an impurity to the stem, or the latter 
is wounded by the separation. 
Plants intended to furnish seed should be set in the open air 
where they are subject to all but the strongest mid-day sun, those 
in frames will of course require shading. 
Carnations and Picotees must have plenty of water every day, 
and liquid manure towards the end of the month, once or twice a 
week; watch constantly for the appearance of green flies, and 
remove them with a brush, or dust them over with snuff to be 
afterwards removed with a brush or water. 
Polyanthuses should be turned out of their blooming-pots into 
a shaded border having a moist loamy soil; they will not bear 
more than three or four hours of the morning sun, and though 
they like a moist position the drip from trees must be carefully 
avoided. 
Ranunculuses . As these advance, it is a good plan to lay on 
the beds a mulching of decayed leaves or old tan, which saves 
much trouble in watering, the soil round the neck of the plants 
should be pressed tight with the hand to prevent drying and 
keep the leaves erect; weeds must be removed as often as they 
appear, and should it become necessary to water, I prefer to dam 
up the ends of the paths and fill them with water, rather than to 
pour it on the beds, as it causes such a hard incrustation of the 
soil when given in the usual way. 
Roses will require frequent examination to detect nnd destroy 
those pests, the green aphides. Various preparations are advised 
for this purpose, though but few are found to bear the test of 
trial; as a rule, always avoid a glutinous wash, which, whatever 
its composition, will certainly kill not only the insects but the 
branch on which they rest. Tobacco water, or ammoniacal 
liquor, such as diluted hartshorn, are among the best of liquid 
applications; and where they cannot be used, Scotch snuff may 
be dusted, but this must be washed off again in a day or two, or 
it will sadly disfigure the foliage. 
