166 
TLORICULTURAL HINTS. 
lowest, cut the end straight through just below the joint, and 
insert it firmly in the soil without cutting the points of the leaves 
off, as is too frequently done ; this _ old-fashioned error can 
only be continued through want of reflection ; its only effect is 
to permit a great waste of the juices through the severed sap 
vessels, an evil that every other part of the process is intended 
to check, but which in this case are entirely overset by a mutila¬ 
tion devoid of a single redeeming qualification. As it would be 
tedious, as well as troublesome, to dibble each cutting as it is 
made into its place, a small pot of water should be at hand in 
which the pipings may be placed till a sufficient number are 
ready for planting. It should be remembered that much of the 
success depends upon doing it quickly, and therefore no time 
should be wasted between the removal from the parent and fixing 
the cuttings in their places under the glass. Previous to dibbling 
them in, the soil should be w T ell soaked with water, and after the 
glass is -filled a slight sprinkling will settle it closely round 
them. 
By the middle of the month the spring planted Ranunculuses 
will be ready for taking up ; they should be closely watched, 
and as soon as the foliage parts readily from the roots, they may 
be considered ripe ; the often repeated advice to dry them in 
the shade must be thought of, for it is a ruinous practice to set 
them in the burning sun as soon as they are out of the ground, 
and not less injurious is the negligent custom of leaving them in 
the ground till next month ; the plants, in the mean time, have 
begun to grow again, as is evident in the number of white silky 
fibres proceeding from the upper part of the claws, a waste of 
energy is occasioned which often continues for several years. 
Pansey seed requires close attention in hot weather, the best 
seed is just now ripening, and as soon as the pods become 
mature, they split and scatter the seed ; the plants should be 
looked over every evening, and those tinged ever so slightly with 
brown, should be gathered and placed to dry on papers where 
they are secure from accidents. 
Begin to thin the shoots of Dahlias, the laterals proceeding 
from the base of the main stem are now soft, and may be easily 
removed with the thumb, which prevents much future trouble 
and does not disfigure the plant. 
