94 _ THE FLORIST. 
so as to avoid cold drying currents passing over the plants. Shut up 
early in the afternoon so as to economise the heat from the sun. Attend 
to regulating the shoots of Dipladenias and similar things as they 
advance in growth. Allamandas should be allowed to grow at liberty 
until they are well set for bloom, and these should be fully exposed to 
the sun and not kept too close, otherwise some of them may make more 
wood than bloom. 
Fruit (hardy).—The pruning, nailing, &c., of every kind of fruit 
tree, with the exception of Figs, ought to be completed by the middle of 
the month; therefore, if any remain undone, proceed with the work 
without further delay. If Peach, Pear, or other fruit-trees are infested 
with scale of any description, prepare a mixture of soft soap, sulphur, 
and tobacco water, thickened with a little soot and lime, or clay ; paint 
the trees over with a small painter’s brush ; avoid touching the buds if 
the trees are in a forward state. Protect Peach, Apricot, and other 
choice fruit-trees from spring frosts, and, as before stated, if the covering 
used is thicker than a herring-net, it ought always to be removed in 
the day-time, otherwise better not protect at all; doubtless, the best of 
all covering is a canvas fixed on rollers, which may be let down and 
drawn up at any time without occupying much time. Oréhard houses 
and glass cases should have air daily during sunshine, but close early, 
if any appearance of frost at night. Sprinkle the trees occasionally in 
the morning in bright weather, but be sparing of water on the paths 
and floor of the house; too much moisture during a low temperature is 
very injurious to the blossoms of fruit-trees. Prune Filbert-trees 
when the blossoms are visible; shorten and cut out all small shoots that 
do not show for fruit ; keep the centre of the trees open. Plant Straw- 
berries as before advised, and use the hoe frequently in dry weather, 
round the plants in the fruiting beds. Finish planting all kinds of 
fruit-trees, if not already done, and top-dress with manure all fruit- 
- trees that are in a weakly condition. Graft Plums and Cherries the 
beginning of the month; large trees of Pears and Apples, headed down 
for grafting, had better be done next month. Kitchen Garden.—If 
previous directions have been attended to, and the weather is dry, the 
ground will now be in good condition to receive the various seeds 
required to be sown this month. Make sowings of Peas to follow in 
succession, such as Champion of England, Scimetar, Veitch’s Perfection, 
and tall Marrows ; earth up those in a forward state to protect them 
from the cutting winds. Plant Windsor and Long Pod Beans, and 
draw earth to the early crops. Sow the main crop of Onions, Parsnips, 
and Karly Horn- Carrot; also Ash-leaf, Early Oxford, or Shaw 
Potatoes, or other favourite sorts ; the Dalmahoy is a first-rate Potato, 
it is an excellent kind of early Regent, a second early. Make sowings 
of Snow’s Early Broccoli, Walcheren and other Cauliflowers, Red 
Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts (of which the Roseberry is a good kind), 
early Cabbage, Cottagers’ Kale, and Green-curled Savoy. Plant out 
Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Lettuce, and prick out those sown last month 
under glass. Sow early Turnip, Spinach, Lettuce, Parsley, and Radish 
in succession, and Celery on a slight hotbed, Protect Rhubarb from 

