216 THE GARDENER. [May 



gives them vigour, and helps to keep vermin in check. Staking should 

 be attended to before the flowers fall about. Sow seed of Pinks, Pan- 

 sies, Auriculas, Polyanthus, &c. — do not bury the seed deeply ; and 

 prevent the soil from being scorched by strong sun. Slugs, &c., will 

 also have to be looked after ; a row of lime and soot placed round the 

 handlights or pans wdll keep them from getting among the seedlings. 

 Plant out annuals, &c., in borders and beds when safe from frost. 

 Chrysanthemums require regular attention, with liberal soakings of 

 water, especially when plenty of roots are made. Watering overhead 

 in dry hot weather is of much service ; evening, of course, is the 

 best time to do it. Cuttings may still be struck, and if large potfuls 

 of foliage and blooms are objects, they may yet be secured by placing a 

 number of plants in one pot. For exhibition this would be out of 

 the question. Plants in glass structures should now be kept free 

 from decaying flowers, seed-pods (except where seed is wanted), and 

 decaying leaves. Unhealthy surfaces of the soil should be removed 

 and replaced with healthy stuff. Shifting on growing plants before 

 the roots become pot-bound is of much importance. Geraniums 

 coming into flower may have clear manure-w^ater occasionally, or a 

 small quantity in each supply of water. Fuchsias must not be checked 

 in any way if good healthy free- flowering plants are wanted. Gladioluses, 

 Tritoraas, and a number of common plants, may be grown on freely 

 out of doors in a cool position to supply flowers in Autumn. Salvias 

 and Heliotropes grown on liberally are excellent late in the season. 

 Balsams, Cockscombs, and Globe Amaranths, must not be suddenly 

 checked by taking them from heat to cold. Cyclamens must not be sud- 

 denly checked in their growth — starving them is an evil to be guarded 

 against; the plants should be allowed to ripen gradually. Acacias, 

 Cytisus, and many of the more robust greenhouse plants, make 

 their flowering-wood strong enough out of doors. If well plunged in 

 ashes, frequently sprinkled, and (for a time) shaded from mid-day sun, 

 they will make free growth ; but if the pots are very full of roots, shift- 

 ing to a larger size will be necessary, or the roots (if not already 

 done) reduced and potted in same size of pot. No roots should be 

 allowed to grow through the pots into the ashes or soil ; slate placed 

 under them will keep them right. Water for the next few months 

 will be required by free-growing plants in great abundance ; better to 

 have a iew of them well managed than great numbers half -dead. 



M. T. 



