* 
62 THE FLORIST. 
in the hands of inexperienced growers, are often ruined before it is 
observed that they are attacked ; and Boronias, particularly B. pinnata 
and B. serrulata, to the latter. lower G'arden.—Get alterations 
finished as quickly as possible, also take up and level turf when necessary. 
The present will also be a good time for re-arranging herbaceous plants 
where this may be necessary, and also for preparing ground for fresh 
plantations of them. ‘These are too often planted in poor badly pre- 
pared soil where they cannot reasonably be expected to produce much 
effect; but many of them deserve better treatment, particularly 
Phloxes, which are amongst the gayest and most useful of autumn 
blooming plants, and these should be afforded good, deep, rich soil, and 
not crowded or plantel under the shade of trees, or where they will be 
robbed by roots of trees or shrubs. Most herbaceous plants produce the 
finest blooms upon plants of moderate size, and old spreading stools 
should be taken up and divided, the ground well prepared by deep 
digging and liberal manuring, and then replanted. See that Crocuses 
and other bulbs in the beds are not being destroyed by mice. 
Fruit (hardy).—Finish the pruning and nailing of Apricot trees as 
speedily as possible, and see that blinds or other covering material is in 
readiness to cover the trees by the middle of the month, for Apricots 
require to be protected before they come into flower. If the weather 
is severe at this time they are often killed in the bud; but whatever 
covering is adopted, it ought to be so arranged as to be easily removed 
from the trees in the day-time, when the blossoms begin to expand ; 
otherwise more injury will be done to the crop than if the trees were 
not protected at all. If advantage has been taken of frosty weather 
to wheel manure on the quarters or other places occupied by small 
fruit, lose no time in getting it forked in, when the weather is dry and 
favourable ; and finish the planting of all fruit trees before the month 
is out, mulching them as before advised ; also stake newly-planted or 
other trees that may require it in exposed situations. Towards the 
latter end of the month top-dress Strawberry beds with leaf- 
mould or short dung, that is, when they are growing thickly together ; 
if in rows, no time should be lost in getting the ground forked between 
the plants, if not already done. New plantations may now be made, 
choosing a fresh piece of ground; and see that it is properly trenched 
and manured before planting. Give plenty of air in clear weather to 
glass cases, or walls covered with glass, orchard houses, or any other 
glass structure that 1s not heated, in order that the trees may not get 
excited too soon in the spring. The trees should all be pruned and top- 
dressed, especially those in pots. Go on with the pruning, &c., of wall 
and standard trees, according to previous instructions. Forcing 
Ground.—Plant out such Cucumbers and Melons as were sown last 
month in pits or frames, and maintain a good heat in the beds by 
turning and renewing the linings, and give air on every favourable 
opportunity. Water sparingly in dull weather, and destroy green-fly 
on its first appearance. Sow Beechwood or other Melons, also some 
Cucumbers to follow in succession. Plant Ash-leaf Kidney Potatoes 
