40 
THE FLORIST’S JOURNAL. 
to bad drainage, and the earth has become sour, this should be 
entirely removed, the roots washed quite clean, and a few of the 
longest may be cut back, as also the bottom of the stem if it ap¬ 
pears dead, or is too long, then repot the plant into good fresh 
earth, and return it to its place. Nail and tie up climbers. 
Continue to protect tender plants and shrubs standing in the 
open border, but at every favorable opportunity uncover them, 
to prevent their becoming drawn. Finish digging the beds and 
borders with all possible expedition, and, as soon as favorable 
weather occurs, proceed with pruning and transplanting all trees 
and shrubs that require it. Frequently roll the lawns and gravel, 
in order to get them firm after the frost, and, where necessary, 
old turf should be levelled, or fresh laid. Continue to protect 
plants in frames; every encouragement should be given them to 
induce a vigorous start. 
THE LETTER-BOX. 
Rusticus complains of the ravages made on his herbaceous plants and 
trees by rabbits and hares. To protect the latter is easy: our method is to 
mix tar and cart-grease in equal quantities, and smear it on the stems of 
the trees just as high as they can reach. The use of the grease is to prevent 
the tar hardening, and so injuring the trees. In equal quantities no danger 
need be apprehended. For the plants we know of no preventive but a 
close wire fence; we have tried tarred string, but without effect. 
S. R. In potting Gesnerias and Gloxinias shake all the old earth from 
them, trim off the dead roots, and keep the crown of the bulb above the 
surface of the earth, which should be a mixture of peat and leaf mould, in 
equal quantities, with about a third light loam, and the same proportion of 
fine white sand. 
A Lady, who wishes for a few Ornamental Annuals of easy culture, 
should procure Nemophilla insignis and atomaria ; Clarkia pulchella and 
P. alba; Goodetia rubicunda, rosea alba, and Lindleyana; Lupinus 
Cruikshankii, and nanus; Calendrinia speciosa; Campanula Lorei, Cal- 
leopsis Drummondii and atrosanguinea, Erysimum Perouskianum ; Es- 
choltzia compacts, Hibiscus Africanus, Sphenogyne speciosa, and Malope 
grandiflora; all of which will be sure to succeed if sown about the middle 
of March, in the open border, taking care to sow them not more than half 
an inch deep. 
