190 THE FLORIST. 



Cucumbers. — During very hot weather Cucumbers are apt to taste 

 bitter, where the plants are grown in fully exposed pits ; shading should 

 therefore be attended to, and a moist atmosphere maintained. If 

 Cucumbers are cultivated in moveable frames, it is a good plan to turn 

 the frames for the sashes to face the east, or even the north, during the 

 summer months. Water plants in full bearing with hquid manure 

 every other time, and let a mild bottom-heat be kept up. 



Dahlias. — Plant out without delay in well prepared soil, that the 

 plants may take hold of the ground without losing time. Early 

 planting is neither desirable nor necessary, if the plant has been well 

 grown during the time it is in the pot, and the soil well prepared. 

 When planted out the}?- will require care to protect them from slugs, 

 snails, and from being injured by rough winds. Keep them well 

 watered, and encourage their growth in every way at first, by syringing 

 the plants over head at night, using soft water, and frequently stirring 

 the surface of the soil near the plants. Earwigs cannot be got under 

 too early in the season, as they eat the tender shoots of the plants as well 

 as the bloom. 



Flower Garden and Shrubbery. — Now that the great work of 

 planting out is completed, have everything and every department in 

 strict neatness and order. If necessary the walks should have a thin 

 coating of gravel, which must be well rolled down. Plant up any 

 defects as they appear ; and to do so effectually, keep a reserve stock of 

 many things. Plants in vases must be attended to, and if placed on 

 pedestals raised much above ground, introduce traihng plants round 

 the margin. 



Heaths and Epacrises. — IMuch care and attention should be bestowed 

 upon such plants as are removed to cold frames by allowing them as 

 much room as convenient. Be careful not to over water newly potted 

 plants ; place them upon a stage of boards, if practicable, and keep the 

 lights on in very heavy rains, tilting them up back and front. All old 

 blooms should be removed. Soft- wooded species should be neatly 

 pruned to assume dt sired forms, and hard-wooded varieties should also 

 be neatly trained, avoiding as much as possible the insertion of sticks 

 in the ball. Epacrises may be kept somewhat closer after being pruned ; 

 and if not newly potted, and well supplied with root, very weak 

 manure water will assist them ; shade in strong sunshine. 



Fruit, Forcing. — The labours of the forcing gardener are now 

 nearly at an end for the season ; fcr what follows in this department is 

 merely a matter of routine, speaking in general terms. Air, by day, 

 must be freely given, and a small circulation allowed by night ; this 

 will prevent anything like stagnation in the houses ; and a moister 

 atmosphere may be kept during the swelling of Grapes and Peaches. 

 The house may be closed for an hour or two during the afternoon, but 

 air should be given before evening ; and as the fruit begins to change 

 colour this must be increased, as both colour and flavour are dependant 

 on a plentiful supply of air. Water inside borders, and in some cases 

 the borders outside wall require its apphcation. Strong liquid manure, 

 applied during the swelling of the fruit, will assist them. As a pre- 

 ventive of the attacks of red spider, wash over the pipes, flues, &c., 

 with a little sulphur and lime. 



