AUGUST. 255 



off the \Yeak plants of Verbenas, and by a little attention to shade and 

 water they will soon make way ; keep pegging down as they advance, 

 and do not allow Dahlias, Hollyhocks, or any large plants to remain 

 Icng without staking. Tie up and attend to herbaceous plants in large 

 clumps, which, if not attended to in time, look bunchy and shabby 

 afterwards. By frequent hoeing and raking keep every place perfectly 

 tidy and clean. Mow and roll in damp weather. Assist Geraniums 

 in vases by a little manure water, 



Hardij Fruit. — Look at our last Calendar, and keep the young wood 

 of wall trees neatly tied in, that both wood and fruit may enjoy free 

 exposure to light. Pears, where luxuriant, may now have the breast 

 wood removed, taking that from the upper part of the trees first, and 

 gradually working down to the bottom. If this is done at three times, 

 a fortnight may elapse between each operation. Useless wood may, after 

 the crops are gathered, be cut away from Gooseberries, Currants, and 

 Raspberries, and Apples as well if time permit. Protect Apricot and 

 other choice fruit from wasps and flies. 



Heaths and Epacrises must have very careful attention in hot dry 

 weather ; shade \vhen necessary. Do not allow any to suffer for want 

 of water ; if in frames give abundance of air. 



HoUi/hocks. — Having well secured these plants with stakes firmly 

 placed in the ground, there will be little to do but enjoy the bloom this 

 month. A small piece should be pinched out of the top of each spike. 

 The small bud which will be found by the side of the principal one 

 should also be removed. Water freely if the weather continues dry. 

 The side shoots may be put in as cuttings, either the eyes only, 

 similar to Vines, or in the ordinary way. By adopting either plan 

 numbers will fail at this season. A cold frame or pit near the glass w^ill 

 be found to answer best. 



Kitchen Garden. — Now will be a busy time in getting out the main 

 crops of Broccolies, Borecoles, Savoys, as well as Celery, Coleworts, &c. 

 Cabbages for next spring and summer should be sown early in the 

 month, and from the 20th to the 24th Cauliflowers for wintering under 

 hand-glasses and frames for next spring. Onions, sow a bed for 

 transplanting in the sprmg, and Parsley for a late supply next year. 

 Spinach, Lettuce, Endive, Radishes, and salad plants should be sown for 

 succession. Plant out Endive, and thin and clean advancing crops. 

 Thin out useless shoots fi-om Tomatoes, and train the best bearing wood 

 to walls or palings. Most kinds of herbs, if not already done, should now 

 be cut and dried for winter use. Take up and dry Shallots and Garlic. 



Melons. — When the fruit commences colouring keep the beds as dry 

 as is consistent with the swelling of the remaining fruit. Abundance 

 of air must be given at this stage, leaving some on all night ; this will 

 insure high flavoured fruit, though at a slight sacrifice in point of size. 

 Attend to every means that will keep the foliage healthy ; should red 

 spider be troublesome, wash the inside of the pit or frame with sulphur, 

 and keep the pit close for a day or two, shading it should the weather 

 be bright ; this will generally keep them in check. Earth up advancing 

 crops with good sound loam, and plant out the latest crops ; Mr. 

 Fleming's hybrids are the best for this season. 



