Chrysanthemums.—They will require an abundance of air to prevent the flowers expanding weakly. Keep them well supplied with water, and the leaves in a healthy state; for a great portion of their beauty depends upon so doing. They may sometimes be seen almost entirely denuded of leaves when in flower, which considerably detracts from what should be their ornamental appearance in the greenhouse or conservatory.
Primroses (Chinese).—Give a few of the strongest and most forward a shift into larger pots. The double varieties are very useful for cutting where bouquets are much in request, as they do not drop the flowers like the single varieties.
STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.
Great caution will now be necessary in the application of atmospheric heat and humidity, as an excess of either will cause a premature and unseasonable growth which no after-care could thoroughly rectify. The thermometer
for the majority of stove plants need not at any time of the day exceed 60°, with a fall of 8° or 10° during the night.
Begonias.—They deserve a place in every stove, as they are plants of easy cultivation, and bloom at a season when flowers are scarce; they can also be introduced to the conservatory or sitting-room when in bloom.
FORCING-HOUSES.
Hotbeds.—Keep up the heat of dungbeds by adding leaves and dung to the linings; but not sufficient of the latter to cause a rank steam in the frames.
Peaches.—If any vacancies occur in the late houses they should now be filled up. We have before recommended trees of large size to be taken from the walls for this purpose, but in so doing care should be taken to select such sorts as the Murray, Elruge, and Violette Hâtive Nectarines; Noblesse, Royal George, Grosse Mignonne, and Chancellor Peaches, being the best adapted for forcing. Some sorts are of little value as forced fruit, although they may bear abundantly.
Pines.—Coverings to be used, and as little fire-heat as possible, to keep up the required heat during the night. The heat of the spring-fruiting and succession-houses to be gradually decreased, so that it may range from 60° to 65°. The winter-fruiting plants to range 10° higher.