168 THE FLORIST. 



cool situation, for autumn bloom ; continue to put in cuttings, also 

 to save seed. 



Pinks. Complete the propagation of these at once, by putting 

 the cuttings in under small glasses, similar to the plan recommended 

 for Carnations and Picotees. Seed, to be secured against wet, should 

 be protected with small glasses, placed over such pods as are most 

 likely and desirable to seed — from such as Criterion, Lola Montes, 

 Regulator, Sappho, and other fine-petalled flowers moderately full. 



Pelargoniums. Cutting down should now be done in earnest for 

 another season, more particularly for early bloom; choice sorts also 

 must be cut down for the purpose of propagation. Keep the plants 

 tolerably dry for a short time before as well as after cutting down. 

 Some let them remain out of doors after cutting down, which answers 

 very well if a dry fine season ; but if a wet one, they are better 

 under glass, in a light situation, with plenty of air. Sow seed 

 as soon as ripe. See that the soil is in proper order for re-potting, 

 which should be done when the young shoots are about an inch long. 

 The Fancies require similar treatment, but should not be delayed 

 cutting down, neither should they be placed out of doors to break ; 

 excess of wet would be fatal to many of them. 



Roses. Vigilance will still be required to hunt out the rose- 

 maggot, which, in consequence of the young shoots becoming ripened, 

 often locates himself on the top of some of the most promising 

 flower-buds, where, covered by a leaflet, he feeds on the edges of 

 the petals, and so destroys some of the finest flowers. To hard- 

 opening varieties, as La Reine, Souvenir de Malmaison, &c, a rather 

 liberal application of liquid manure will be found very serviceable 

 in stimulating the blossoms and causing their expansion, otherwise 

 many of them would be abortive. The best period is just after rain. 

 A few perpetuals, as the Duchess of Sutherland, William Jesse, &c, 

 are at some seasons not so certain of giving autumnal blooms as 

 could be wished ; this may be remedied to some extent by shortening 

 the longest of this season's barren shoots to half their length. 

 Those two fine hybrid Chinas, Generals Allard and Lamoriciere, may 

 frequently be induced to give autumnal blooms by the same treat- 

 ment. Should the remainder of the season prove dry, mulching 

 should not be neglected. 



Tulips. These may now be taken up where not already done, 

 and put in a shady cool place, to dry off gently •, the outer skin and 

 soil should be removed when they have been out of the ground a few 

 weeks. 



Hollyhock and Dahlia Boxes. It will be well for intending exhi- 

 bitors to see their boxes, show-boards, and tubes are in proper order, 

 and have the show-boards newly painted and varnished in good time. 

 They should become quite hard and dry before using. Wood-plugs, 

 or tubes for securing the flower- stalks, should be soaked a few days 

 before required ; it prevents their absorbing the water in the zinc 

 tube, and to swell before they are placed in it, instead of after. 



