192 THE FLORIST. 
of the month, and plant Brussels Sprouts as soon as the plants are 
strong enough to go out. Go on with the thinning of seed crops, such 
as Beet, Onions, Carrots, Turnips, &c.; another sowing of the latter 
should be made. 
FLORISTS’ FLOWERS. 
Auriculas will now be in their summer quarters, that is, in some 
position where they are shaded from the sun; under a wall with a north 
aspect is best, so as to have also a felt cover, to let down over them in 
case of heavy rain. Great attention should be paid to the cleanliness 
of the plants, and a watch kept on a nasty caterpillar, which at this 
season gets into the heart of the plants, and sometimes eats them across. 
Keep down green-fly—a difficult matter, and only I believe to be 
effectually done by going over the plants with a camel’s-hair pencil 
frequently. Do not allow the plants to flag for want of water, the 
supply of which must be regulated according to the weather. The 
bloom this year has been fine, and a great encouragement to growers. 
Carnations and Picotees will now require unusual attention as to tying 
and watering; this latter, if the hot weather of the present week 
continues, will be often needed, and the pots should be kept clear of 
weeds ; and, about the latter end of the month, may be top- dressed with 
a compost of leaf-mould, loam, and rotten dung. Disbudding should 
also be now practised as the side buds appear—not more than three or, 
in the case of some very strong growing varieties, four should be left on 
each plant. Syringing is very beneficial to the health of the plants. 
Dahtias.—Planting out will now have to be completed. The best plan 
is to put the centre stake into the ground first, and plant your Dahlia 
close to it; supply liberally with manure, and give plenty of space to 
the plant ; if the weather should prove dry, the watering pot must be 
called into requisition. All growers of this fine flower have learned 
that it requires plenty of elbow room. Pansies.—These will now be 
going out of bloom, and their most ticklish time is coming on. They 
should be placed in as cool a position as possible; and, on the first 
appearance of mildew, the plants should be well dusted with sulphur. 
Cuttings should*also be taken off, as the plants may possibly die off in 
the hot weather, leaving you minus your variety. Pelargoniums.— 
You may now principally employ yourself in admiring the beauties of 
your stock. They will be opening now every day. Avoid watering at 
night—do it in the morning, and your plants will continue much longer 
in bloom; and, oh! avoid ‘‘Gishurst.” How can people puff such 
things? Whether it will kill the fly 1 know not; but the other day I 
weighed out the two ounces, put them into a gallon of water, and 
syringed. ‘The result is my plants are all covered with a nasty whitish 
mark—very much as if I had attempted a miniature whitewash. I 
wonder, looking at the mess before using, I did not at once see what 
must be the result, but have paid well for my folly. Pinks should be 
disbudded as soon as possible. The earlier they are taken off the better 
will be the bloom, but, of course, respect will be had to ie varieties, 
some of which bear much more than others. 
Deal, May 22. Bad Be 
