1873.] HINTS FOR AMATEURS. 273 



ings of cold water will only retard growth : give it in abundance when 

 required, and liave done with it. 



Dahlias are safer when they are staked as soon as planted : a good 

 watering when weather is mild, a neat mulching of rotten manure covered 

 wdth soil, will generally keep the plants all right for a long time, and 

 then manure-water can be given with great advantage. Roses may be 

 attacked with grubs — hand-picking is the only sure remedy we know 

 for getting rid of the pest. Brompton Stocks to stand the winter may 

 be sown. Carnations, Picotees, and Pinks may be propagated by pip- 

 ings : under hand-lights in a shady position suits well. Ranunculus will 

 now take plenty of water — manure-water is advantageous to such 

 gross feeders. A sowing of Sweet Peas may be made for a late 

 supply. Mignonette may yet be sown. Propagate Pansies from side 

 shoots. Cinerarias, Chrysanthemums, Primulas, and Calceolarias must 

 have careful attention : with water, cleanliness, &c., as formerly ad- 

 vised, free healthy growth should be made now. Stake Liliums, and 

 place the plants in a protected position out of doors : help them with 

 manure-water when they are coming into flower. All plants for 

 autumn flowering of a half-hardy character should be placed out of 

 doors in a protected position, and kept clean and well supplied with 

 water. A pit or frame where lights can be used during heavy rains 

 is advantageous. Shift Fuchsias liberally for late blooming. They 

 like plenty of pot-room and good turfy loam. Manure-water when 

 they are in flower is of great service to them. Zonale Pelargoniums — 

 ornamental-leaved kinds for decoration under glass — should now make 

 free growth, and not be cramped in too small pots. Lobelias, shrubby 

 Calceolarias, Salvias^ Verbenas (show kinds). Balsams, Cockscombs, 

 Globe Amaranthus, &c., in absence of more rare things, should have 

 their share of attention, as where a "blaze" of flower is required in a 

 conservatory, they will certainly give it. Common Ferns from the 

 woods we have often used for mixing with flowering plants, and they 

 are as telling as many of the best exotics. But these common things 

 in a starved condition are worthless. 



Shading of plants in flower from sun now requires attention, to pro- 

 long their beauty. All newly-potted plants (especially seedlings) re- 

 quire to be kept shaded and rather close till free growth again takes 

 place; then they want abundance of air. Camellias, for early flower- 

 ing, may be taken out of heat as soon as their bloom-buds are formed. 

 Under a framework of canvas or other shady material is a good posi- 

 tion for them till they are flt to stand the weather : under the shade 

 of a wall or fence answers when taken there on a mild dull day. Sud- 

 den changes often cause Camellias to shed their bloom-buds. Those 

 making their wood should have plenty of moisture, and be shaded from 



