THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 249 



The pompone varieties illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 are of no use 

 for show purposes, but they are most valuable for the decoration of 

 the flower garden. They are neat in growth, and flower mo&t abund- 

 antly ; they are all well' adapted for forming a background to the 

 dwarf-growing bedding plants, or for a front row to the taller grow- 

 ing show dahlias. The best sorts are those with white and scarlet 

 flowers ; but in the majority of small gardens a mixture will be 

 preferable. 



THE GARDEN GUIDE EOR AUGUST. 



Elower Garden. — All tall-growing subjects, such as Dahlias 

 and Hollyhocks, should be staked as required, to prevent the flower- 

 ing shoots being torn off by the wind. Tall-growing Gladioli, also, 

 ought to be supported with neat sticks, to keep the flowers from the 

 ground. The Dahlias must be tied out, and the flower-buds thinned, 

 if intended for exhibition. Remove the flower-spikes from all peren- 

 nials immediately the beauty of the flower is past, if the seed is not 

 required. Leaving the seed to ripen impoverishes the plants more or 

 less, besides having an unsightly appearance. This is a capital time 

 for sowing seed of these things, as there is plenty of time to get 

 strong plants by the end of autumn, if the seed is got in early this 

 month. Sow in little beds on a shady border, and plant out directly 

 the plants are strong enough to handle. Propagate the stock of 

 bedding-plants at once, excepting the Calceolarias, which are best 

 left until the end of September. All the bedding Geraniums strike 

 better on a warm, sunny border than in pots and frames. Prick 

 up the border, and, after making it firm on the surface, insert the 

 cuttings, and, in ordinary seasons, all the attention necessary until 

 they are rooted will be simply to give them one good watering to 

 settle the soil, and remove all decayed foliage, to prevent its injuring 

 the other. The Verbenas, Cupheas, Heliotropes, and Lobelias require 

 more care. The cuttings should be inserted in pots properly drained, 

 and filled with light sandy soil, and then placed in a cold frame, and 

 kept close and shaded until rooted. 



Kitchen Garden. — The principal spring crops must be got in 

 this month, and it is highly important that everything in connection 

 with them be done at the right time. If any delay takes place, the 

 plants will not attain their full size ; and, on the other hand, if sown 

 too soon, they get too big, and run to seed directly we get a few 

 warm days in the spring. Sow Cabbage and Endive in the early part 

 of the month, and Lettuce and Cauliflowers about the 20th. At the 

 same time, sow Tripoli Onion, White Stone Turnip, and Black 

 Spanish Radish. In earthing up Celery, be particularly careful to 

 prevent the soil getting into the hearts. As the Celery makes but 

 little progress after it is earthed up, that operation ought not to be 

 performed until after it is nearly full-grown. Take up and store 

 Garlic and Shallots as they complete their growth. Give Peas 



