220 THE GARDENER. [May 



over the roots and the dry warm soil drawn over it. If the soil 

 round the roots is in nice moist condition, much watering will not be 

 required. A good soaking all over the planted ground when weather 

 is warm, and the hoe used freely over the surface as soon after as 

 can be done, is the best treatment for the plants. Eare kinds to be 

 grown for stock should be planted in good soil in any space where the 

 plants will not be overlooked. They need not be allowed to flower 

 very freely when plenty of cuttings only is wanted. Plant out a good 

 stock of Violets ; water them well. Flowering-plants in pots will now 

 be numerous. Airing, shading, watering, turning round to light are 

 some of the daily inportant matters. Such plants as Pelargoniums, 

 Fachsias, Calceolarias, with their pots well filled with roots, may be 

 liberally supplied with clear manure-water. After hot dry days 

 sprinkling overhead all plants will cleanse and refresh them ; all water- 

 ing in structures may now be done in the after-part of the day. Pri- 

 mulas, Cinerarias for next season's work, may be kept shaded from 

 strong sun ; a frame turned to the north suits them well while making 

 their growth ; sow more seed. All forced shrubs when done with 

 should be hardened carefully before turning them out. They should 

 not be starved if required for work next season. As Azaleas, Camellias, 

 Cytisus, Acacias, and similar flowering-plants are done blooming, let 

 all flower-pods be cut off, any necessary trimming done, and let them 

 be potted and placed in a growing atmosphere to make their wood, 

 syringe them freely, and when enough growth is made they may be 

 hardened with more light and air to form their flower-buds. Clarke's 

 insect-destroyer syringed on Azaleas, first laying the pots on their sides, 

 will keep thrip, &c., in check. Balsams, Globe Amaranthus, and 

 Cockscombs, must have plenty of pot- room ; a gentle bottom-heat with 

 fresh air makes growth sturdy. Heaths and N^ew Holland plants may 

 be placed out of doors in a shady position where worms cannot get 

 into the pots. This may be done about the end of the month ; smaller 

 plants of these are the better of a frame or pit to use the lights for 

 shelter from drenching rains. Before plants of any kind begin fresh 

 growth they are generally allowed to have a period of rest, if it has 

 not been had during the flowering time. Then any necessary cutting 

 back is done, and when young growths begin to appear fresh soil 

 and larger pots are given, but often the ball of soil is reduced and 

 replaced with fresh stuff in same pots after they have been washed. 

 Good drainage must always have attention. Chrysanthemums will 

 now be making rapid growth. A general stopping may be given. 

 Some good growers never stop more than once. Cuttings for small 

 pots may be put in ; layers may also be put into small pots. Give 

 the roots plenty of water and sprinkle the plants overhead. — M. T. 



