222 THE FLORIST. 



Dahlias. — Having disposed of the Carnations and Picotees, the 

 chief interest now will be centred in the Dahlia beds. Fre- 

 quently thin-out superfluous shoots, so that much may not be cut 

 off at a time. The proportion must be according to the known 

 habit and size of the flower. The Hero and such flowers should 

 have all their wood and buds reserved for some time ; Black 

 Prince, Imbricata, Mr. Seldon, &c, require a medium course of 

 treatment ; if very large flowers are desired, they may be cut 

 hard, as it will not produce them coarse. Queen of Roses, and 

 flowers of this class, must be thinned very hard to come suffi- 

 ciently large to be put with others disbudded in the same pro- 

 portion. Keep the branches securely tied. Turn up the soil 

 about the plants, and place rotten manure round them. Soak 

 them well twice a week at root — a little over the foliage every 

 night. From what we have seen, the plants are good this season. 



C. Turner. 



Epacrises. — These want but little attention at present, further than 

 that recommended for the Erica ; as I presume each plant has 

 received its due share of stopping, tying out, &c. &c. suggested 

 in Nos. 16 and 17. Should an unruly shoot have persisted in 

 overtopping the rest, cut it down to their height ; it were better 

 so, than to allow it to disfigure the whole plant. 



Ericas. — As mildew is more apt to be generated in the autumnal 

 months than at any other period of the year, more than ordinary 

 vigilance is now necessary to detect at an early stage the pre- 

 sence of the enemy ; which, as soon as discovered, should be 

 attacked without mercy. As yet we have had most propitious 

 weather for maturing the summer growth ; which when per- 

 fectly ripened, with ordinary care little danger need be appre- 

 hended. As each plant goes out of flower, thoroughly clean it 

 from all dead foliage, and give the annual shift, as recommended 

 in former Numbers. Some varieties will have perfected their 

 summer's growth sooner than others ; when that process is com- 

 pleted, and the plant in a state of comparative rest, I have 

 found it desirable to curtail the supply of water. Cleanliness 

 being indispensable to the health of plants and of gratification to 

 the eye, frequently sweep away the litter that is apt to lodge 

 upon and around the pots ; rake over the surface of the coal- 

 ashes, on which I presume your plants stand, and replace the 

 latter according to height, &c, leaving ample room between each. 

 Loss of moisture by evaporation at this season is immense, con- 

 sequently every plant should be examined at least once a day, 

 and the soil felt, to ascertain whether water be wanted ; for be it 

 understood, that if the ball is suffered to become perfectly dry, 

 even for an hour, the plant is irretrievably lost. 



Fuchsias. — This brilliant and most charming genus is now rapidly 

 developing its floral beauties; to heighten the effect, and add 

 to the graceful tout ensemble, arrange and support all straggling 



