THE FLOEAL WORLD AXD GARDEN GUIDE. 23 



in doing this be sure you place a slate or something of the kind 

 under the pots to prevent worms from entering it ; for should they 

 gain admission they would destroy the activity of the soil by clog- 

 ging up the drainage. 



In June, the plants, if properly treated, will be growing fast ; 

 stop them again if their strength will allow of it ; place them 

 at such a distance apart as will admit of a free circulation of air 

 all round them ; keep them constantly turned so as to prevent one- 

 sidedness of growth ; I aim at training the plants in the form of a 

 pyramid. As June is generally a very hot month, drop the pots in 

 w^liich the plants are growing into one a size larger ; that will check 

 the rapid evaporation which otherwise would take place from the 

 soil. The chrysanthemum being a gross feeder and fond of plenty 

 of moisture, on no account let it suffer for want of it, or else you 

 will mar the beauty of your plants ; in very hot weather let the 

 ground round them be watered with a fine rose, by which means a 

 genial moisture will ascend and refresh the plants. Ton may also 

 syringe them night and morning, which will prevent the attack of 

 thrip ; attend as hitherto to training, in order to prevent the shoots 

 from becoming overcrowded. 



The month of July having arrived, finally sbift into eleven-inch 

 pots ; use a small quantity of sharp sandy grit with the soil this 

 time, and add also strong rich manure with other stimulants that may 

 afl'ord a vigorous growth. When the plants have been some time 

 inured to their final shift, and the roots begun to expose them- 

 selves on the surface of the pots, supply manure water. During the 

 hot season I use cow manure for mixing with the water on account 

 of its cooling and nourishing properties ; and in autumn sheep's 

 dung and soot, which possess very stimulating powers, producing, 

 when used judiciously, healthy and beautifully robust growth. 



August. — This is generally a very hot month. Take care the 

 plants do not flag for want of water, examine them twice a day at 

 least ; also attend to the training of the shoots to prevent crowding. 



September. — This month is more favourable to the generation of 

 sap than any month of the year, on account of the warm humid 

 atmosphere which prevails ; and that growth made at this may be 

 encouraged, supply the plants liberally with manure- water as pre- 

 viously recommended. 



It will now be time to select the late-flowering varieties and 

 place them under a south wall, as that will forward their flowering. 

 Eut look sharply after earwigs, which now make their appearance 

 and commence the work of destruction among the points of the 

 shoots : use every means in your power for their extirpation : you 

 will best discover them after dark by searching for them with a 

 lighted candle or bull's-eye lantern. "When the flower-buds appear 

 only let each lateral shoot mature a well-formed bud ; remove the 

 remainder. If the early-flowering sorts are likely to be too forward, 

 do not place them under glass till the weather compels you, but 

 form a temporary shelter for them from slight frost and rain. It 

 should not be a south aspect. 



