i87r.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 501 



necessary, as summer pinching, stopping, &c., are generally understood 

 under the head of "summer pruning," All fruit in store will require 

 to be looked over occasionally for some time after it has been placed 

 in its keeping quarters ; and after all is dry, keep the room close, cool, 

 dry, and dark. 



Flower-gardens (if not already done) require a thorough clearing, and 

 the "foliage" plants, shrubs, tfec, to fill up in winter should be planted 

 without delay, as severe weather might set in, and last long enough to 

 make winter-dressing not worth the trouble. Leaves will be nearly off ; 

 they should be taken away before the grass is injured by them. See 

 that Dahlias are safely under cover where frost may not reach them ; they 

 should be stored away dry. Myrtles, Fuchsias, Aloysias, and any tender 

 plants remaining in the ground, should be protected with Fern, branches 

 of trees, or similar material. Dry coal-ashes placed over their roots, 

 forming a cone, makes capital protection. Plant all hardy bulbs still 

 out of the ground ; arrange them systematically as to height and colour. 

 Protect tender Roses ; they may be lifted and placed in turf -pits, or 

 under a wall where straw can be placed over them : this applies chiefly 

 to " Teas." Plant shrubs as formerly advised, and see that none are 

 in danger for want of stakes. Mulching is of great advantage to them 

 till they get hold of the soil. Auriculas, Pansies, Carnations, &c., in 

 pots, should now be in their winter quarters, and air given on every 

 favourable opportunity. Hardly any water will be required : frost and 

 rain should be excluded. Chrysanthemums coming into flower will require 

 plenty of water ; neglect will shorten the blooming period. All forcing 

 plants should be safe from frost ; those not lifted from the ground 

 should have attention at once. Plants established in pots force much 

 better than those newly lifted. Skimmias are very useful for winter 

 decoration, and can be lifted from the open ground, potted, and watered. 

 They stand much rough treatment. Bedding plants will require to be 

 looked over frequently. Sulphur may be applied to Verbenas, &c., if 

 mildew makes its appearance. It should be attended to before it 

 becomes too late to stop the evil. Surface watering is one of the worst 

 evils to all plants : bedding plants especially are often killed by the 

 hundred from this cause alone. All plants when watered should have 

 enough to moisten the whole ball of soil, throwing as little as possible 

 about in damp short days. Primulas, Cinerarias, Calceolarias, Cycla- 

 mens, which are to come in for later work, must not be allowed to 

 become pot-bound when the pots are full of roots, and watering is 

 necessary. Good surfacings of rotten manure and good soil are of 

 much service when the pots are full of roots; but a wet surface (which 

 is likely to occur) is not to be a guide when watering is performed. 

 Surfaces are often saturated when the active roots are perishing. 



