40 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
the weather outside ; for as more watering will have to be 
done as the plants gradually develope their growth, so should 
all opportunities be taken to admit air to dry up any excess of 
moisture : this may also be occasionally assisted by fire-heat in 
the day. All plants intended for bedding out should be fre¬ 
quently looked over, cleaned, watered when necessary, and 
towards the end of the month slightly encouraged, to accelerate 
their growth. The temperature should average slightly above 
last month ; but the progress of the season will be the best 
indicator by which to regulate the heat in plant structures of 
all kinds. 
In the stove the temperature should be gradually raised as 
the plants exhibit symptoms of renewed growth ; but not to 
an extent so great as to endanger the plants by checking their 
advance in case of a return of wintry weather. This must be 
particularly observed with Orchidaceous plants; for if the young 
pseudo-bulbs are once checked in their development no after 
management during the season will repair the injury they will 
sustain, and a second growth must be patiently waited for. 
D. M. 
Florist’s Flowers.— The early part of this month is gene¬ 
rally received as the most proper time in which to top-dress 
and otherwise prepare Auriculas for the approaching blooming 
season. To do this remove about an inch and a half of the old 
soil from the surface of the pots, and replace with a mixture 
somewhat richer than that in which they are growing; tho¬ 
roughly decayed sheep or cow dung and leaf mould, in about 
equal quantities, is a safe and efficacious application. Night 
soil, blood, and other strong manures are sometimes used, but 
they are dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. AA hile 
going over the plants for this purpose, carefully examine the 
drainage of each, that there may be no impediment to the pas¬ 
sage of water through the soil during the summer, when it be¬ 
comes necessary to supply it more abundantly; and now as the 
flower stems are rising they must be protected from frost: cover 
them up carefully on every recurrence, but give plenty of air 
in fine weather. 
Tulips also, as they appear above ground, should have protec¬ 
tion, and attention should be directed to the removal of cankered 
parts wherever and whenever they appear. Frequently turn 
the soil intended for Carnations and Picotees, and keep the 
plants free of insects by fumigation, &c. 
