SEPTEMBER. 215 



suffer a little from heavy rains ; a few dry days will put them all to 

 rights. Keep the pots free from weeds as well as the surrounding 

 ground ; nothing looks more slovenly than to see them peeping their 

 heads up between the flower-pots. Should this month jjrove genial, 

 and even the first two weeks in October, Epacrises are better out of 

 doors than in ; about that time many varieties will shew for flower, 

 when they should be directly housed, and the temperature of the 

 house regulated according to whether an early or late bloom is 

 wanted ; by this means theymay be hastened or retarded at least six 

 weeks. Water in moderation. 



Ericas. Take care they do not get soddened from wet. Destroy 

 slugs and snails, and remove all weeds and moss from the soil. 

 Should mildew present itself, sulphur the moment it is detected, 

 using an old pepper-box for the purpose, and washing it off^ with the 

 syringe next day. The great object from henceforth will be to check 

 growth as much as possible ; consequently water should be judi- 

 ciously administered. 



Fuchsias. Plants that are intended to be started in heat about 

 February should now be cut down, kept tolerably dry, and as cool as 

 possible. Seedlings of a promising character should be treated in 

 the same way if seed is not wanted ; by this means earlier growth in 

 the spring will be obtained, and bloom in July, instead of, perhaps, 

 in September. 



Pansies. Plant out for spring blooming a good distance apart, 

 if plants are in good health ; and pot up into small sizes such plants 

 as are intended for blooming in pots next spring. Plant out seed- 

 lings, and continue to propagate by putting in cuttings and dividing 

 the root. 



Pelargoniums. General attention is now required to keep the 

 plants clear from green-fly, and it must be done by fumigation. If 

 any plants are standing about out of doors, they should be either put 

 into a greenhouse or frame, but the house is preferable. If the plants 

 are left out of doors, they become soddened with wet, which will most 

 likely bring on the spot, and cause them to look unhealthy through 

 the winter. Having but little young wood to support, they require 

 little water to keep them in good health. It will be well this month 

 to get the diff'erent soils into an open shed ready for repotting at the 

 final shift for the year. This soil should not be wet when used, 

 only moist — not dry. Stop back young plants that have been struck 

 this season, so as to leave about three or four eyes to break from ; 

 this will cause them to make healthy plants. Seedlings should be 

 shifted from the seed-pans into small pots as soon as they get four 

 leaves ; water with a fine rose, and shade for a few days. 



Pinks. Look over the beds, and see that the young plants are 

 not being overgrown with weeds. Hoe between the rows, and give 

 water if necessary. Some seasons pinks flower late, and then the 

 young plants are late also ; but it is now time the beds were ready. 

 Examine the stock in order to ascertain what sorts (whether old or 

 new varieties) are wanting, and arrange for them at once, for early 

 application generally secures strong plants. 



