JANUARY. 3 



that have their growth to make wholly in spring will not bloom in 

 true character. 



Over-potting is also a mistake of frequent occurrence ; it should 

 be borne in mind that the pots must become full of roots before 

 there can be a fine head of bloom. Starting them into growth at a 

 time when they are throwing up their trusses is likewise injudicious. 

 Any plants, therefore, not already in their blooming pots, should be 

 re-potted forthwith ; good plants now in forty -eight sized pots, 

 should be put into thirty-two's or small twenty-four's, in which 

 they will make fine specimens to bloom in the end of May or June. 



We need scarcely say that the Pelargonium has only to be seen 

 in good condition to be appreciated, and there is no excuse for not 

 growing it well, especially where a house is wholly devoted to its 

 culture ; nevertheless, apart from the metropolis and the suburbs of 

 some of the large provincial towns, how rare are the instances in 

 which this end is attained ! 



THE HOLLYHOCK. 



This, one of our best early autumn flow^ers, having deservedly become 

 a general favourite, it may not be out of place to offer a few remarks 

 on its culture and propagation. 



The soil most suitable for its growth is a very rich sandy loam ; 

 but it thrives w^ell in any good rich garden-soil. Previous to plant- 

 ing, the earth should be trenched at least two feet deep, and liberally 

 mixed with well-decomposed manure, night-soil being most preferable. 

 If autumn planting is preferred, it should be done early, in order to 

 allow the roots to get estabhshed before severe frosts set in ; but 

 plants turned out in March bloom quite as early and equally well 

 as those planted in autumn, the plants having been kept growing 

 throughout the winter. Care should be taken that they receive 

 frequent waterings during dry weather, a plentiful supply of liquid 

 manure during the growing season ; and the earth should be fre- 

 quently loosened round the roots. 



When the plants have thrown up spikes about six inches high, 

 they should be thinned out, leaving not more than three spikes on a 

 strong plant, and on weak plants not above one, staking each spike 

 separately when about fifteen or eighteen inches high. 



To obtain fine blooms, all laterals should be cut away, and the 

 flower-buds thinned out if too much crowded. 



The Hollyhock is in its beauty in the month of August ; but a 

 succession of bloom may be obtained until November by later planting. 

 Immediately after the blooming season, it is advisable to cut the old 

 flowering stems from the plants about six inches from the ground ; 

 and in October or early in November to earth-up the crown with 

 silver or road sand, which prevents too much moisture getting to the 

 roots during the winter months. An occasional sprinkling of soot 

 and quick-lime should be given to destroy slugs, which are the 



