238 THE GARDENER. [May 



It is somewhat difficult to lay down any rule in regard to the cultivation of 

 any plant, when that rule has never been proved. Nevertheless, knowing, as 

 we do, the nature of Celcrj'-, and the routine hitherto followed in its successful 

 (as far as success was possible) cultivation, we may presume to be able to lay 

 down a rule which, if followed, will certainly secure success. 



I need not waste time in directing how the seed should be sown and the young 

 plants treated, as by the time this appears in print most people will have their 

 plants pricked out. However, I may say here, what should be borne in mind 

 all through, never on any account allow Celery plants to receive a check through 

 drought. It is a ditch plant, and any amount of wholesome (as opposed to 

 stagnant) water will not injure Celery while in a growing state. The want of 

 it will ruin the plants and the prospect of a crop. 



Bearing this in mind, I would recommend that, when your plants are fit for 

 transplanting in the trenches, select some fine plants with nice balls, and hav- 

 ing — say 6 or 8 inch pots well drained with crocks, and a nice heap of soil, com- 

 posed of sound loam with a liberal mixture of well-rotted stableyard manure, 

 and a good dash of sharp sand — ready, then pot your plants moderately firm, 

 giving a hearty watering to settle the earth among the roots. Kow stand your 

 plants where convenience may dictate, preferring, however, a shady place, so 

 that the sun's rays may not parch the soil and injure the roots in the pots. 

 Give, once or twice a-week, weak doses of liquid manure after the pots have 

 become full of roots, so that they may be kept growing vigorously. Now we 

 all know that the stalks produced in summer are not those which are fit for use. 

 The nice, sweet, crisp stalks are j^roduced inside the summer growths after the 

 earthing-up process takes place. To imitate this earthing-up, take strands of 

 bast and tie the outer stalks, not too tightly, and any time in the month of 

 October remove them to any darh shed, cellar, lumber-room, or any other con- 

 venient place, where they will throw up their fine blanched stalks. 



October may be considered late for the blanching process to commence ; but 

 it should be borne in mind that they will grow later in the season than those 

 exposed to cold rains, &c., which will prove another benefit to the amateur 

 who may not have facilities for forwarding his plants in early spring, and who 

 in consequence loses half the season. 



I have not gone into the subject as I might have done, but I believe that the 

 hints I have thrown out will be quite sufficient to guide any one who may be 

 willing to give the system a fair trial, and as every person has difierent ways of 

 doing the same thing, so every one can adopt the plan most suited to his cir- 

 cumstances. — Under Gardener. 



THE MANCHESTER IWTERNATIOlSrAL EXHIBITION". 



International Exhibition of Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers, in 

 CONNECTION WITH THE MANCHESTER BoTANiCAL SOCIETY, September 3d, 4th, 

 5th, and 6th. — We have before us the schedule of prizes which are offered on 

 this occasion by this enterprising and successful society, and certainly they are 

 on a scale of liberality which, so far as we are aware, has never been ap- 

 proached at any previous international exhibition. And if anything in the 

 shape of liberal prizes can be expected to bring out the very highest examples 

 of horticultural skill, they may be looked for at Manchester in September. 

 The schedvde is, from beginning to end, most liberal. Taking the following as 

 examples of the prizes offered, it will be seen that we are not exaggerating : 



