96 THE FLORIST. 
FLORISTS’ FLOWERS. 
Auriculas.—If the directions given last month have been attended 
to, these lovely spring flowers will be all on the move, and towards the 
end of the month will be throwing their trusses up. In this state they 
require constant attention, a liberal supply of water, great cleanliness, 
and careful covering at night ; for though frost will not easily kill them 
it will materially injure the bloom, crumpling some, and splitting the 
paste of others. Do not allow the trusses to be overcrowded with pips, 
but cut them out with a sharp-pointed scissors. It is now (Feb. 14), 
most bitter weather, and I much fear for the bloom this spring. Per- 
sonally, I eschew liquid manure; but if used, it ought to be with 
caution, as stimulated plants are sure to suffer by and bye. Carnations 
and Picotees.—Growers ought to be prepared “for all eventualities,” 
for towards the end of the month, if fine, potting may begin. Pre- 
viously to that time the compost ought to be well turned over ; worms, 
and their eggs—and specially and above all that villain ezreworm— 
picked out, pots got ready, plenty of drainage at hand, and some place 
for temporary protection provided. Let no sickly plants be potted up, 
it is of no use; they only wither and die, and disfigure the symmetry 
of a well-grown collection. Disturb the balls when potting as little as 
possible, and should the weather be mild they will not receive any 
injury from rain, provided they got plenty of air. Chrysanthemums. 
—Those who grow for exhibiton will attend to the excellent instruc- 
tions given by Mr. Wiggins, in last month’s P’orist. ‘Those who do 
not, will now see that the plants are making good stock for cuttings to 
be taken off next month, and all who can will add to their stock any 
varieties they may think worthy of it. Dahlias.—Start the tubers for 
cuttings, and take them off as soon as possible, thus avoiding long- 
jointed plants ; it will depend on the grower’s capabilities and wants 
as to how this is to be done. Of course a forcing-house is best, but a 
dung-frame will also answer ; if in the latter, great care must be taken 
that the tubers do not rest on the dung. This year will add, I think, 
some good varieties to the list, but there is no flower more uncertain or 
disappointing than the Dahlia in its seedling state. Pansies——These 
are rapidly making growth, and will require abundance of air and a 
tolerably liberal supply of water. Watch for green-fly, and fumigate ; 
I do not know enough of “ Gishurst’’ yet to recommend it. Pelar- 
goniums.—Those for the early shows will now require to be still further 
tied out and staked, and the plants kept well turned round, so as to 
make them of a good shape. Liquid manure, carefully made, may be 
cautiously supplied. Green-fly must not be allowed to get ahead, which 
it is apt to do. Those for the later shows will require much the 
same treatment, only experience can decide as to the exact time for all 
operations ; in general collections, air, water, and fumigation are the 
three things to be attended to. Pinks.—Little can be done with these, 
if the bed has been top-dressed, save keeping all clean. This severe 
winter has been trying to them, but when they do begin to grow they 
make astonishing progress. 
