138 
FLORICULTURAL HINTS. 
untying the ligatures when the flowers are half grown, a matter 
often neglected, to the disfigurement of the blooms. There must 
be no lack of water to these plants while the weather is dry, and 
propagating should begin before the expiration of the month. 
Tulips may be got up early this season, the dry weather of 
May has ripened them well, and the probability is they will turn 
out sound and well grown. The tyro may be told in getting up 
these roots, he should employ his hands in preference to the 
trowel or any other tool; something of the kind is allowable 
just to break the crust of the surface, but should not be trusted 
near the bulbs. As they are taken from the ground clear off the 
mould, and place them in the drawers of the cabinet; dry them 
in a shaded airy place for a fortnight, then clean them thoroughly, 
and after a couple of hours in the sun they may be considered fit 
to put away. 
Roses require much attention this season, and unless very 
constantly looked over for grubs, will be deficient of flowers even 
yet. Green flies swarm in warm places, but they are less to be 
feared than those lurking leaf-rollers, for whom a good-sized bud 
is no more than a meal. When the sun declines in the evening, 
the garden-engine should be brought out, and the trees receive 
a good washing once or twice a week ; this will keep down in¬ 
sects, and render the foliage healthy and handsome. Those in 
pots are just now in their glory, and, if well managed, are unsur¬ 
passed by any flower ; the China and Bourbon roses should be 
removed, as their beauty declines, to a cool pit, and by shading 
and frequent syringing they may be induced to begin a new 
growth directly, so as to flower again next month. It will be ad¬ 
visable at the same time to cut back the shoots which have 
borne flowers, and if additional stock is required, such pieces may 
be struck under a handlight. 
Dahlias have had a very trying time since they have been out; 
the frequent waterings necessary have rendered the ground-sur¬ 
face bound, which must be speedily remedied by forking it 
nicely up between the rows; when this is done, a good watering 
may be given, and some mulch laid about the stems will 
perhaps carry them through the month without further trouble. 
The principal stakes should be placed without delay, or some 
danger will be incurred of injuring the roots, and as lateral 
