OCTOBER. 239 



to see if all are correctly named. Examine all plants on a fine day, 

 in order to secure whatever seed may be ready ; and in cutting, 

 leave a good piece of the stalk attached ; tie in bunches consisting 

 of about six heads, and hang them up in some dry and airy place ; as 

 fast as they turn brown, pull them to pieces, and spread the seed 

 thinly on canvass till it becomes dry. The time for taking up the 

 roots must depend on the weather ; if the tops are quite destroyed by 

 frost, get them up on the first dry day ; but should the season be 

 favourable, and there be no frost, two objects will be gained by 

 allowing them to remain in the ground for a time, viz. more seed, 

 and a shorter winter to preserve the roots in. There is no difficulty 

 in keeping many kinds sound through the winter ; those with large 

 stems and long stringy tubers decay first. 



Epacrises. It is expedient now to place them in their winter 

 quarters, giving them all the air practicable night and day, except 

 in the event of a probable frost ; water somewhat sparingly. Earlier 

 bloom may be obtained without injury to the plant by a temperature 

 for the time being of about 65° or 70°. 



Ericas. It will be desirable to house them ; another fortnight's 

 exposure may do much mischief; therefore set at once about clear- 

 ing, weeding, arranging all stray branches, and removing the plants 

 to the heathery, keeping the house as cool and airy as the weather 

 will permit. Should any symptoms of mildew present themselves, 

 scatter a little sulphur vivum over the parts affected. Gradually 

 diminish the supply of water. 



Fuchsias. The blooming season will now be on the wane ; 

 those plants intended for early flowering should now be spurred back, 

 placed in a cool situation, and just sufficient water given them to 

 keep life in them till it is desirable again to excite growth. Defend 

 your ripening seed-pods from injury. Any seedlings that have bloom 

 set, and are become stunted and pot-bound, may be stimulated with 

 a dose of weak guano- water. 



Pansies. Complete the planting either of seedlings or named 

 flowers for spring bloom ; but should the plants of any variety be 

 weakly, pot them in preference to planting out, and winter them in 

 cold frames, unless you can cover them with small glasses in very 

 wet or severe weather. Should the soil get baked by heavy rains, 

 hoe between the plants. The general stock should now be potted 

 up ; they will do equally well one plant or several in a pot, provided 

 they are planted out early in the spring, before the roots become 

 matted together. 



Pelargoniums. Shift all young plants that require it; repot 

 the bottoms that have been disrooted and have got well established 

 again, putting them into their flowering- pots, as they will not re- 

 quire another shift for flowering in May. Water sparingly, and in 

 the morning ; light a fire now and then in the daytime, so as to get 

 the heating apparatus in order, in case it should be wanted in a 

 hurry. Seedlings will require but little water ; if wet weather should 

 set in, light a little fire in the morning, to rid the atmos],)here of the 

 house of excessive moisture. 



Pinks. Planting should be closed; complete the beds for next 



