450 THE GARDENER. [Oct. 



of Crocus, may be planted. The diilerent colours arranged effectually, 

 sucli as white edging purple or blue, yellow round purple, and 

 vice versa, gives the beds a very gay appearance in spring. Snow- 

 drops and all the usual foliage plants may be placed for winter 

 effect as early as can be done. Vermin are troublesome to Crocus. Red- 

 lead placed over the bulbs at planting-time may keep mice and rats in 

 check for a time. Shrub-planting can now be carried on with every 

 advantage, preparing the ground by trenching, using good loam (for 

 kinds which it suits) next the roots, flaking moderately firm and 

 staking securely must have attention, as winds, having full power 

 over newly-planted trees or shrubs, soon bring them to grief. A good 

 watering before the earth and mulching is finished round the roots 

 may be all that is necessary in the w^ay of watering, but if the air 

 should keep dry and no dews should fall, syringing overhead may be 

 necessary ; but we have no faith in the continued cooling drenchings at 

 top and root which are recommended by some. Keeping the roots well 

 up in damp positions is of great importance. Where positions are 

 elevated and the soil dry, a basin of soil to keep the rain from running 

 off the roots should be formed ; but this is not likely to be necessary 

 before spring. Rhododendrons and all peat-loving plants require plenty 

 of moisture and to be kept cool at the roots. However, where stagnant 

 water remains, no shrubs will be safe in severe winters. 



The usual storing and protecting of greenhouse and other plants 

 should be completed, if not already done. Wet and cold may not tell 

 on them at the time, but when the energies of the roots are called into 

 action at the active growing season, the evils of autumn drenchings will 

 then be apparent. This is more applicable to Indian Azaleas, Heaths, 

 Epacris, and all kinds of New Holland plants. Confined damp air in 

 structures is another great evil to be avoided — clean pots, clear drain- 

 age, and healthy surfacings are of great importance. Auriculas should 

 now be kept free from decaying leaves ; keep healthy clean surfaces, 

 stand the pots on a hard bottom, give water seldom, but not to neglect 

 the plants with it, and the lights only used to keep off rain. Airing and 

 watering with the same care are necessary for Mignonette ', dampness 

 and close air soon destroy it. Violets placed in pits should have 

 plenty of air when they have taken root. Sprinkling overhead is 

 good for them when mornings are dry. Chrysanthemums which 

 have been objects of great attention through the season should not 

 be kept on short allowance now ; plenty of healthy manure-water is 

 good for them. Plants for winter -flowering should soon be taken 

 where they can be kept from wet and cold ; even though hardy, they 

 are liable to suffer from exposure if they are in pots. They might, if 

 a pit or other structure is not at command, be placed full in the sun 



