156 THE FLORIST. 
CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH. 
Azaleas and Camellias.—Azaleas, if wanted in the best possible 
condition, should, before they begin to open their flowers, be placed 
where they can be afforded a moist rather warm atmosphere, carefully 
shading them from the sun, syringing them overhead morning and 
evening, and shutting up the house early on the afternoons of bright 
days ; and as any excess of dryness at the root at this stage would tend 
to cause the blooms to be small and crumpled, the plants must be care- 
fully and rather liberally supplied with water. When fairly in bloom, 
gradually inure them toa free circulation of air for a few days before 
removing them to the show-house, and then use every care to shade 
them from the sun, and to keep the atmosphere moist. Get plants that 
have bloomed repotted where necessary, the shoots nicely tied out, 
stopping any that incline to grow too strong for the others. Also stop 
and carefully regulate the shoots of young specimens of new varieties, 
and see that the whole stock is perfectly clear of their great enemy black 
thrips ; for if this pest is allowed to gain a footing upon any of the plants 
thus early in the season it will be apt to greatly injure the plants. Attend 
to last Calendar’s directions as to Camellias. Encourage those making 
their growth with a moist warm atmosphere, shading them from the 
sun, and keeping the foliage clean and free from insects. Plants that 
were started into growth early will probably be setting their buds 
towards the end of the month, and these had better be removed to a 
shady situation out of doors, or a cool house, to prevent their making a 
second growth. Conservatory.—There will be a plentiful supply of 
plants at command for the decoration of this house during this month, 
but do not overcrowd to the extent of injuring any of the permanent 
specimens, and use as much care in the placing of the plants in bloom 
as if they were scarce, and endeavour to produce the best possible effect 
with the abundance of materials at command. Ventilate freely during 
warm weather, but avoid cold draughts, especially against things that 
have been brought from the stove; and use every care to maintain a 
moist atmosphere, keeping the beds and borders well watered, and 
frequently sprinkling every available surface. Also keep a sharp look 
out for insects, and if-red spider is perceived upon any of the permanent 
specimens, give these a thorough washing with the engine or syringe; 
and apply gentle doses of tobacco smoke as often as may be necessary, 
to keep aphis and thrips in check, taking care to have the house as dry 
as possible before smoking; and if only a few plants, which can be 
moved, are infested, these had better be removed to some other house 
or close room, so as to avoid the risk of injuring things in bloom, and 
the certainty of rendering the atmosphere of the house unpleasant for 
days by smoking. See that every possible effort’ is used early in the 
month for providing a supply of plants for blooming here throughout 
the summer and autumn. Cold Frames.—Bedding-out plants which 
are. sufficiently strong should be gradually accustomed to full exposure 
to the weather, and late potted-off cuttings encouraged by a rather close 
moist warm temperature, so as to get them sufficiently strong for planting 
out as soon as possible. If the weather proves favourable towards the 
