228 



STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



or upper room — anywhere almost, if not subject to frost. It is well to look at 

 them occasionally, and if they appear damp and mouldy, remove them to a 

 drier j)lace. In the early spring they are ready for planting. 



ASTERS. 



The Asters are among the most useful of our autumn flowers. The improve- 

 ment in the Aster is really wonderful. Many can recollect when it was only a 

 single, or at least a semi-double flower, with an unsightly yellow center. Now 

 the aster is perfectly double, some varieties almost as symmetrical as the Dahlia,, 

 and rivalling the Peony in size. The Peony-flowered, Rose, Victoria, and La 

 Superb are the best of the large sorts. A class of Dwarf, sometimes called 

 bouquet Asters, are interesting as single plants, and very desirable for a 

 border. They generally grow only about six inches in height, and form per- 

 fect masses or bouquets of flowers, often almost or entirely concealing the 

 leaves. 



The Aster will not bloom in perfection in very warm dry weather. It is 

 best, thererefore, to sow the seed pretty late, certainly not before the middle of 

 May. Select a showery time for transplanting, and disturb the roots as little 

 as possible. This caution is necessary, because if the seed is sown late, as 

 recommended, it will be warm at transplanting time. The Aster will succeed 

 in almost any soil, but a cool, strong, rich soil will give the strongest plants 

 and the largest flowers. Manure water will be thankfully received and grate- 

 fully appreciated bv the Aster. 



JAMES VICK. 



