178 THE GARDENER. [April 



type has been siiperseded by its own offspring, every generation claiming 

 superior rank to that of its progenitor, until now not a few of these types 

 approach perfection. 



Hints on rjencral Outdoor Culture. — The Phlox will live and flower under 

 almost any system of culture, and the worst of treatment it sometimes gets ; 

 but to make it most attractive it requires liberal culture. The proper requisites 

 to this end are, a deep, well-trenched soil, rich in manure, the subsoil effec- 

 tually drained — shelter from boisterous winds — the surface of the soil regu- 

 larly stirred and kept open. The position ought to be sheltered, so that the 

 foliage is not injured by cold winds. Sunshine and ample supplies of water 

 are required should a course of dry weather set in while they are growing 

 actively ; moreover, when the plants are disposed to throw up numerous shoots, 

 thin them out to, at most, four of the stoutest, when the plants are well 

 established in the soil. By this means the entire energies of the roots will be 

 concentrated into the growths left, which will add wonderfully to the size of 

 the flower-spikes. See that the growths are well supported by stout stakes, 

 when they have reached a few inches above ground. Weak plants ought to 

 have all the flowers pinched off excepting the strongest stem ; perhaps this will 

 encourage lateral growth on those denuded of their flowers, and it is also a 

 means to stimulate fresh root-action. 



Propagation. — This is effected in different ways, by seed, by cuttings, and 

 division of the roots. Seeds are sown in pans in the autumn, and the seedlings 

 potted, as soon as they are large enough to handle, into small pots. They 

 oucfht then to occupy a shelf near the glass throughout the succeeding winter, 

 and by ]\Iarch they will have arrived at a state sufficient to warrant their 

 being planted out. 



Cuttings should be gathered immediately after flowering in summer, and 

 potted at once in threes around the edge of each pot. The soil for this pur- 

 pose should be light, with a fair admixture of sand and leaf-mould. Water 

 copiously and have them plunged into a spent hotbed, shading and keeping 

 them rather close and moist for the succeeding ten days, especially in sunshine. 

 When it has been ascertained that roots are in formation, dispense in a measure 

 with glass covering and other means of protection unless the weather prove 

 unfavourable. When the roots are sufficiently advanced to warrant the 

 separation of the plants, have them potted singly into small pots, plunging as 

 before in the open frame. 



Subsequent treatment of the Plants. — Considering first their wants overwinter, 

 allow them just to occupy the cold pit or frame ; the only protection— if any 

 be required— is a mat, in addition to the sashes, in extreme frost. Do not let 

 them suffer for want of water, nor from over-doses, only keep the soil in a 

 natural condition of moisture. Ventilate on all occasions of mild weather, and 

 guard against starting too soon by permitting the sashes to be kept close in 

 time of sunshine. 



Early in March is a good time to plant into their jjermanent places out of 

 doors, provided the soil is favourable to planting, and the air free from frost. 

 If it be intended to have beds, allow 2 feet between plants both ways ; but 

 should it be the desire to plant into the borders, the proper place for them is 

 either the back line or near to it, in preference to putting them too close to the 

 front. It is best to plant early sorts alternately with the late ones along the 

 length of the border, distributing them so that the latest varieties are nearest 

 the back line. 



Indoor Culture. — What makes the Phlox really invaluable is its appropriateness 



