i88t.] hints for AMATEURS. 359 



erected by their own hands), and as they have to buy their plants, their 

 stock is small; but it is of much advantage in another form — they have to give 

 extra care to cultivation and arrangement. By this means they have their 

 plants thin and select, and they take the form of compact specimens. Stove- 

 plants, or any with delicate foliage, must not be subjected to cold draughts. 

 Ferns, and similar shade-loving plants, should be kept where sun and cold air 

 have not full power over them. During this month the days are often very 

 warm and the nights chilly ; rather than run risk of injury, it is better to 

 shut the ventilators. This applies as much to the small frame and window- 

 box as the large house. Careful watering, and abundance of it, is still requi- 

 site for free-growing plants, such as Fuchsias, Balsams, &c. The training of 

 climbers, and judicious thinning of them, requires careful attention. A strong 

 stem with all the flowering branches hanging down is a very pleasing sight ; 

 but the whole twisted and tied into ropes, bunches, or coils, as sometimes 

 seen, is very oiFensive to the eye. Examine borders and beds with plants 

 growing in them, and let good soakings of water (rain if it can be had) be 

 given. Camellias, Oranges, and large evergreen plants, will require a quantity 

 of water. Smaller plants in pots are different, and when they are watered 

 they should be in want of it ; but in no case should they be allowed to become 

 dust-dry. New Holland plants may be removed to safe quarters by end of 

 month. Those in small pots often suffer when left out late to heavy autumn 

 rains, should they prevail. A general cleaning of houses and pits may be 

 made when they can be spared. Lights not in use should be washed, and if 

 painting is necessary it should have due attention. Put in cuttings of Pelar- 

 goniums of all kinds, especially of the Zonal kinds. Cut down those show 

 kinds which have flow^ered, and when broke and growing they may have the 

 soil shaken from them, the roots reduced, and be repotted into smaller-sized 

 pots. They are better under protection of glass-lights after this. Cinerarias, 

 Primulas, Calceolarias, Chrysanthemums, shift to larger pots as may be re- 

 quired : starving at roots now means stunted growth and poor foliage. Chry- 

 santhemums left in the open ground require less attention with water than 

 those in pots, but they must not be left to themselves. 



It may be well to look to the stock of winter-flowering hardy plants. Aza- 

 leas and Camellias which have set their buds may have plenty of air and 

 light, but should not stand in the glaring sun. Be careful in taking plants 

 from shade to exposure. The stock of Deutzias, Wiegelias, Rhododendrons, 

 Lilacs, &c. , should be kept in the sun and not over-moist, so that they may 

 be ready for early work at the proper time. Roses should be forward for 

 autumn and winter blooming : Teas and China kinds come readily into flower. 

 Roman Hyacinths should be bought and potted — three to six or a dozen in 

 pots and pans. Autumn Gracilis Heaths and others for early flowering should 

 be ready to do their part towards display. The stock of bulbs should be con- 

 sidered in due time : early potting means early flowering with little forcing. 

 Stake and train all plants which require attention in this way. Among the 

 better class of specimens in stoves free growth may have been made, and they 

 should have more air and exposure, as much as they can bear. Shade as 

 little as may be necessary ; give the requisite amount of pot -room for the 

 roots ; put plenty of moisture on the paths and stages ; syringe less, and be 

 careful not to drench flowers. The winter stock of flowering-plants must now 

 have due attention to prevent stunting them, and keep them clean. M, T. 



