==Chrysanthemum leucanthemum== (Marguerite, or Ox-eye Daisy).—­Seed of these well-known perennial varieties may be sown any time from April to July.  There are several greatly improved forms of this popular flower which may now be had in bloom from May until early autumn.  Start the seedlings on a bed of light soil, and when large enough transplant them to positions for flowering in the following year.

==Cyclamen==.—­The bulbs which have been flowering in pots through the winter are now approaching their period of rest, and they must not be neglected if they are to make a satisfactory display next season.  Water should be gradually diminished until the foliage dies off, and then the corms will require shade, or they will crack.  Dry treatment generally results in an attack of thrips, and each root must be painted with some good insecticide to destroy the pest.  Cyclamen should never be allowed to become actually dust-dry; but if the pots can be plunged in a shaded moist pit, watering will rarely be necessary.  In June the pots may be buried to the rim in a shady spot until August, when it will be time to re-pot and start the bulbs into growth.  The chief enemies of Cyclamen are aphis and thrips.  Fumigation will settle the former; for the latter, dip the plants in a solution of tobacco-water and soft soap.

==Dahlia==, seedlings must have plenty of water, and be kept free from aphis while in pots.  Instead of taking out the leading shoot, as is often done, give it the support of a neat stick.  The plants should also be potted on as growth demands, the important point being to maintain steady progress without a check until they can be planted out.  At the same time they must be hardened in readiness for removal to the open ground; and if the work is carried on with judgment, the plants will be dwarf, and possess a robust constitution capable of producing a brilliant display of flowers until frost appears.

==Gladiolus==.—­Assuming that the beds have been properly prepared, we have now only to consider the question of planting, and no better time can be chosen than the beginning of April.  Some eminent growers are at the trouble of taking out the soil with a trowel for each bulb.  In the opening, a bed of sand and wood-ashes or powdered charcoal is made, on which the root is placed.  Others lay them in deep drills, partly filled with a similar light mixture.  Whichever method is adopted, the crown of the corm should be left about four inches beneath the surface.  The distance between them may vary from twelve to eighteen inches, and the greater space is a distinct advantage when attending to the plants subsequently.  The same rules apply to the planting of clumps.

==Kochia trichophylla==.—­Sow seed where the plants are to stand, or in a prepared bed from which they can be transferred to make clumps, lines, or single specimens where the attractive foliage will be most effective.