180 THE FLORIST. 



18 inches deep would be better still. Upon this cast in the surface- 

 soil previously removed, well chopping it as the work proceeds, filling 

 up with a sufficient quantity of prepared soil, that, after settling down, 

 it shall be a few inches below the natural surface. During dry wea- 

 ther, after the beds are planted, the surface should be kept constantly 

 stirred with the hoe and rake, for the double purpose of preventing 

 the growth of w^eeds, and retarding evaporation. Should an ex- 

 cessively dry season occur, the whole surface of newly-planted beds 

 may with advantage be wdiolly covered with short grass from the 

 lawns. It will at least prevent the necessity of the frequent use of 

 the watering-pot, the application of w^hich in all out-door gardening 

 is a practice * more honoured in the breach than in the observance.' 

 If the beds are situated in the neighbourhood of trees, they are sure 

 to be invaded by a legion of roots, which, if allowed unmolested 

 possession, will in a few seasons appropriate the whole of what you 

 had intended for your favourites. But as w^e recommend American 

 plants in such situations to be replanted, and the soil trenched to 

 the depth of two feet every autumn, and every third or fourth year 

 the whole mass of soil trenched to the bottom, there will not be 

 much to fear upon that point ; and the mass of soil, by being con- 

 stantly rendered permeable to the autumn rains, will always con- 

 tain a large amount of moisture. There need be no fear of the 

 plants suffering from removal, as Rhododendrons can be transplanted 

 with perfect safety even after they have attained an immense size, 

 and particularly so when they have constantly been subjected to 

 such treatment."" 



As a proof of the truth of this assertion, we may mention that 

 the whole of the magnificent collection comprising the exhibition at 

 the Regent's Park were removed from the nurseries a few weeks 

 before blooming. Some of the large standards exhibited there are 

 reported to be more than forty years old ! 



THE LADIES' PAGE. 



" Now, flaming up the heavens, the potent sun 

 Melts into limpid air the high-raised clouds 

 And morning fogs, that hover'd round the hills 

 In parti-colour'd bands, * * * 



AVho can unpitying see the flowery race, 

 Shed by the morn, their new-flushed bloom resign 

 Before the parching beam ? " 



Thomson. 



In the parching weather which often prevails at this season of the 

 year, the desolation alluded to above can only be prevented by copious 

 evening waterings; not a slight sprinkling over the leaves, which 

 half an hour's bright sunshine serves to evaporate, but a sufficient 

 quantity to moisten the earth as far as the roots extend. When, 

 therefore, the soil in which the roots have to find their food is verv 



