ESPECIAL attention is now requisite to see that the
proper quantities of plants, seeds, &c., are in due

course of preparation for the summer display. Plans of flower-gardens, &c., should be sketched on paper, and the appropriate regulations for future arrangement and plants required be put down ; this attention is of much assistance.

Last month was the best time for grafting shrubs, ornamental kinds of trees, as Thorns, Limes, &c., but any late-growing kinds that have been omitted may still be done; the earlier the better. The increase of Shrubs, &c., by layering, should be done as early as possible, such as Rhododendrons, &c.

Annuals, hardy, such as Clarkia, Nemophila, Larkspur, &c., may be sown in the open bed. The best method of sowing the small seeds in patches is to have a quantity of finely-sifted soil, spread a portion where desired; after scattering the seeds, sprinkle a proportionate portion over, and then press it closely upon them, which will assist a more early and certain vegetation. If strong frost occur, it is advisable to cover a garden-pot over during the night, and remove it in the morning. Seeds of Biennials, too, should now be sown in beds, such as Hollyhocks, Sweet Williams, Scabious, Canterbury Bells, &c. Also seeds of Perennials, as Phloxes, Campanulas, &c. Finish planting out Biennials and Perennials, and dividing large patches of border plants. Hollyhocks must be put in immediately; water them as soon as planted. Newly-budded trees, that is those budded last season, should be looked over, and if any portion of the stock be pushing shoots, they must be rubbed off, so that the entire strength should go to the new shoot engrafted.

AURICULAS. Give air freely on all suitable occasions, to prevent the flower stems being drawn up weakly. They must, however, be protected against strong wind, dust, and frost especially. The blossoms will soon be opening, no water must be allowed to fall upon them, and they must be shaded from hot sun by canvas. inclosed in a wooden frame or similar provision, having the bottom A stage of shelves shelf two feet or so high, and gradually rising, &c., also to be properly shaded, is an erection indispensable to showing them to advantage.

POLYANTHUSES, too, require similar attention to the Auriculas. Neither kinds should be allowed to droop for want of water; and the stems, if by casualty they are too weak to sustain the truss, must be supported by a neat stick, &c.

PINKS.-If beds of them were not made in autumn, and omitted, too,

FLORAL OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH.

95

last month, they ought to be done immediately, if required to bloom the coming season. A loamy soil, made of turfs a few inches thick, and well rotted, with an equal portion of old decayed cow-dung, is admirably adapted for their growth. It should be nine inches deep, and have a good drainage below. The plants must be removed with as much of the ball of soil as possible, and be planted six inches apart. High raised beds are not beneficial except in low wet situations. Where a compost, as above, is not at hand, six inches thick of old cowdung should be dug in with common garden soil. Protection from cold winds is necessary; this is readily done by a hedge of fir, yew, broom, or furze branches. Autumn-planted beds should be topdressed with a little rich soil, and the plants be made firm in their places; a few small sticks stuck around amongst the shoots will prevent twisting off.

RANUNCULUSES and ANEMONES.-When the plants make their appearance, and are risen an inch or two high, care must be paid to have the soil pressed closely around them with the hands, stopping up any holes made by worms, &c. A top dressing, too, of rich compost, free from wire-worm, is very beneficial. If common large worms exist in the bed, they may be collected by the hand at night, or pure limewater poured between the rows will kill the worms, and not injure the plants. If allowed to remain, they are very injurious. Often stir up the soil between the rows. Showers of rain are very beneficial for their growth; if none fall, occasional watering with soft water in the morning should be given. Well-water is injurious. Weak manurewater occasionally poured between the plants contributes to vigour. If severe frost should occur, cover at night, and protect from wind.

TULIPS. Stir the surface of the bed an inch deep. Protect from hail, FROST, and strong wind, also from the mid-day sun, say from ten till four o'clock. A hooped framework to support a canvass cover is essential to proper protection, and so fixed as to be readily removed, or put over when danger is apprehended. Keep the soil firm around the stem, and mind that water does not lodge in the heart of the plant where the infant flower is, or it will be damaged; gently open the leaves to admit the water to drain off.

CARNATIONS and PICOTEES.-If not potted off the end of last month, they should be done immediately.

HYACINTHS should be protected from frost, sun, and wind; secure by tying to proper supports. Stir up the surface soil.

PANSIES in beds must have the soil pressed around the plants, and a top dressing of rich soil an inch or two thick will be beneficial. New beds of them should also be planted.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.-Procure pieces of the shortest of the young shoots from the base of the old stems, with as much root as practicable; pot them in very small pots, and place them on a gentle bottom heat till they are well rooted; then gradually harden them, and pot them on during the summer, according to the size the plants are required. You may do this as soon as you please. If there are not short pieces, take off the tops of the shoots and plant them as cuttings.

ROSES.-Now plant out the tender China and Tea, or Bourbons, &c.

IN THE FORCING FRAME.

Balsams, Cockscombs, Globe Amaranthuses, &c., that require potting off, or re-potting, should be duly attended to; also Thunbergias, Browallias, Lobelias, Brachycoma, &c. Seedling Fuchsias, Verbenas, Petunias, &c., should be potted off singly. Dahlias, too, should be placed so as not to be drawn up weakly. Achimenes must be potted off singly. (See Articles on Culture in previous Numbers.) Tender Annuals, as Stocks, Zinnias, &c., should be placed in a cool frame or pit to prevent them being drawn up weakly. Where it is practicable to prick out, such as Stocks, Asters, &c., upon beds, and protect with frames, it should be done; it gives a robust growth to them. Cuttings of Fuchsias, Petunias, Verbenas, and many other greenhouse plants, should now be put off. Young plants of Fuchsias now procured, if six inches high, will make fine ones for shows in summer.

IN THE GREENHOUSE, &c.

Admit all the air possible. Re-pot Lobelias, Tigridias, Geraniums, Verbenas, and other similar plants for beds. All other kinds of plants requiring re-potting should now be done (see Compost, &c., in last month's Calendar). Such as are straggling, &c., should be cut in to render them bushy. Pelargoniums will require particular attention in tying up, watering, and fumigating; if green fly be perceived, occasionally give a little manure-water. (See Articles on Culture in previous volume.) Camellias, when done blooming, examine the roots, and if necessary re-pot (see Articles upon, for soil, &c.); then place them in a warm part of the greenhouse or forcing-house, giving due attention to watering, &c., till the wood is firm and flower-buds are set; they may then be removed to a cool pit, so as to be gradually hardened by more air, &c. Japan Lilies, &c., should be duly encouraged by re-potting, &c. Peat soil and sand is what they flourish in best. Cinerarias require particular attention in watering, &c.; also pot or re-pot young seedlings, &c.

A careful inspection of the greenhouse plants should be made to see which require re-potting, and do it at once, not waiting to some general performance; always attend to it when it is wanted. Azaleas, young plants that are beginning to push, let them be re-potted; such as have done blooming must directly be re-potted, and their growth afresh be gently promoted in a higher temperature for a short time. Any required to bloom late should be kept in a cool situation at present. ERICAS. Any requiring re-potting should be done directly; avoid too large pots with the less vigorous growers, but free growers will require room to extend in proportion. Do not elevate the collar of the roots higher than the rim of the pot, and allow a depth for water when poured in. Give air freely, but avoid draughts, especially from east and north. Calceolarias often require re-potting to have a vigorous bloom.

IN THE STOVE.

Aerodendron, Erythrina, Justicia, Eranthemum, Gloriosa, Ixora, Brugmansia, and similar plants, should duly be hastened on for exhibiting display for shows, &c. Achimenes re-pot. Gloxinias re-pot. Amaryllis, promote vigorous growth of