44 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



injured as little as possible. AVater them liberally when the planting 

 is completed, and during the first week or ten days shade them in 

 sunny weather. They should also have liberal supplies of water 

 twice a week until well established. It is not necessary to fix any 

 date for planting, because it should be done immediately the plants 

 have attained a sufiicient size. 



It is not good practice to earth up too soon, but to commence by 

 putting a i'ew inches of soil over tlie roots when the plants are well 

 established, and to repeat this two or three times at intervals of ten 

 days each. The proper earthing up should be done at two or three 

 distinct operations, and commenced wiien the plants are nearly full 

 grown. The last earth should be applied about three weeks before 

 it is required for use. Previous to applying the earth, tie the leaves 

 up rather loosely with a piece of bass, for the purpose of facilitating 

 the work and preventing the soil getting into the hearts of the 

 plants. Dry weather should, as far as possible, be taken advantage 

 of for earthing up. 



By the course of procedure here advised, the crop will be ready 

 for use early in October, and continue to yield a supply until the 

 end of February, provided it is protected from severe frost. 



After many years' experience I am convinced that Turner^s In- 

 comparahle White, and WiUiams^s Matchless Red, are the two best 

 sorts for home consumption ; for they are of medium size, and pro- 

 duce large, solid hearts, and in flavour are unsurpassed. The large- 

 growing sorts are not desirable, for they are coarse in texture, and 

 inferior in flavour. 



IS'OTES ON HOLLYHOCKS. 



BY JOHN WALSH. 



10 difference of opinion exists as to the grand appear- 

 ance of a mass or line of hollyhocks when in full bloom, 

 provided they are in a soil or situation suited to 

 them ; and there is really no reason why they should 

 not be met with in good condition in the gardens of the 

 humblest amateur. As regards their cultivation there are no secrets; 

 and when simply required for garden decoration, the labour and skill 

 necessary for their successful management are by no means excessive. 

 In the production of exhibition blooms or spikes, a thorough ac- 

 quaintance with their peculiarities, and some amount of hard work 

 and skill, are alike necessary; and' the amateur should not attempt 

 their cultivation for exhibition until he has become well acquainted 

 with their management as garden flowers. 



In the cultivation of the hollyhock, whether for exhibition or 

 not, an open position is of prime importance, for if they are planted 

 in a border, shaded and impoverished by timber, or, indeed, trees 

 of any kind, they will not do much good. The growth will be weak, 

 the foliage will become infested with red-spider, and what with 

 yellow foliage and meagre flower-spikes, they will not add much to 



