214 THE FLORIST. 



OUR MONTHLY REMEMBRANCER. 



Auriculas will now assume a more healthy appearance. Con- 

 tinue to remove the foliage as it decays, and keep the plants clean 

 and clear of insects, the common aphis particularly. Moderate 

 waterings must be given regularly if the weather continues dry, and 

 if wet, light showers will be preferable. See that the surface of the 

 soil is open ; slight stirrings are always attended with benefit, and 

 should be repeated as often as the surface appears closed. If any of 

 the plants intended for next year's exhibitions throw up for bloom, 

 allow the stems to rise above the foliage, and then carefully rub off 

 the buds from the crown of the stem, without injuring the latter, if 

 it can be avoided. 



Calceolarias. Look well to the whole stock, old and young, 

 to keep it clean. Aphides, and their accompaniments, are utter 

 destruction to all tender foliage, and the curl of the leaf which fol- 

 lows their attack makes a harbour from which it is difficult to dis- 

 lodge them by fumigation. Shade in the heat of the day, and give 

 all possible air at night, sheltering from soaking rains. Sow seed, if 

 not done, if it is desirable to have strong plants in spring. 



Carnations and Picotees. Little requires to be done before 

 the end of the month, further than keeping them clean, and seeing 

 that the pots are placed so as to ensure good drainage. Prepare 

 soil for potting them off for wintering, which should be as heavy as 

 that for blooming them in : less manure, but a little more coarse 

 sand. The state of the plants must decide when they should be 

 potted off. The last week in September, or the first two in October, 

 will be an excellent time. 



Cinerarias. Seed may still be sown where late-flowering plants 

 are required. Continue to take off suckers from the old stools, where 

 a sufficiency is not already obtained, or where a succession of flowering 

 plants is required. Continue shifting into larger pots when neces- 

 sary ; remember not to allow them to become pot-bound. Be sure 

 also to keep them free from insects and mildew : both are likely to 

 be troublesome now. Plenty of air and judicious watering are most 

 conducive to health at all seasons. 



Dahlias, Protecting the blooms will be the principal occupation 

 of the Dahha-grower this month, unless he has a late piece, which 

 will require tying, trimming, and disbudding. If the shades or other 

 contrivances used for protecting the blooms do not admit of plenty 

 of air, they should be removed a short time during morning and 

 evening. Many fine blooms are rendered useless by placing them 

 under the shade in too young a state, by making them so tender that 

 they will not stand the journey to the exhibition. They should be 

 one-third grown before shading ; but as soon as the petals elevate 

 themselves above the disk, secure the heads in such a manner that 

 they cannot sustain injury from other parts of the plant by friction. 

 Seed should be secured as soon and as often as it can be found ripe. 



Epacrises. These need not be disturbed, although they should 



