MAY. 91 



health ; but if it shoukl, the plants had better be turned out 

 of their pots, all sour soil removed, and then repotted in 

 smaller pots, using soil of a more sandy nature than that in 

 which they have been growing. They should also be cut 

 back, and, as soon as convenient, place them in a gentle 

 bottom-heat, and keep them close and moist, but water very 

 carefully until the roots have become established. When 

 they have done growing, harden them off, and remove 

 some of the flower-buds. The plants will probably be in a fit 

 state for a moderate shift at the beginning of next year ; but 

 they must not be allowed to bear more than one flower to a 

 shoot this season. Indeed, no doubt ill health is frequently 

 induced by allowing the plants to carry more flowers than 

 they can support ; two on a shoot are as many as ought to be 

 permitted upon healthy plants ; and if they are weakly, this 

 number should be reduced. 



THE DAHLIA. 



We cannot perhaps do better than put our readers in possession of 

 the following directions at this most important time for the Dahlia. 

 To grow a good plant during the time it is in the pot is of far 

 more importance than early planting. " Pot them into 4-inch pots, 

 using rich soil: the pots should be drained with coarse partly decom- 

 posed leaf-mould, so that in planting out there will be nothing to 

 abstract from the ball of earth. A good start is of great importance; 

 therefore care should be taken that the plant is grown to a fair size 

 without drawing during the time it is in the pot ; the stouter it is 

 the better, without being tall ; and it should not be pot-bound at the 

 time of planting out: both the roots and the point of the plant should 

 be in a thriving condition, and free from aphides. 



It may perhaps be unnecessary to state that the plants must be 

 carefully hardened off before they are turned out. If the soil and 

 plants are in a proper state, the first week in June will be a good 

 time for the general planting, which, with ordinary care and atten- 

 tion, will produce good blooms in time for the earliest exhibition. 



A short period will suffice to have plants of a good size ; but it 

 should be borne in mind that hours lost in repotting them when in a 

 young state will make a difference of days in the time of blooming, 

 and it is important that this should be clearly understood, that no 

 neglect in the matter may be permitted to take place. Examine the 

 plants often to see if any require water; by no means let them become 

 dry so long as they are in pots. Secure them wdth proper and strong 

 fastenings at the time of planting ; water whenever they require it, 

 and sprinkle the foliage slightly almost every evening with soft water. 

 Tie out the branches, and, as the plant increases in size, secure the 

 side-shoots firmly to extra stakes." 



